Asankrangwa (W/R), Sept 24, GNA - The Catholic Church believes that sustainable development that had been the goal of successive governments cannot be achieved without tackling the health needs of the people. Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, the Archbishop of Cape Coast, has said it was in this vein that the Catholic Church continues to supplement the government's efforts to enhance health service delivery. "There is no way we can sustain our development agenda when we are sick and unhealthy".

He said this when he met the management and workers of the Asankrangwa Catholic Hospital and later inspected facilities at the hospital on Wednesday.

Cardinal Turkson said about 38 per cent of health facilities in the country were provided by the Catholic Church, indicating the priority that the Church gives to the well being of the people.

He urged personnel of the hospital to continue to offer selfless and dedicated service to the community.

Cardinal Turkson said the Catholic Church would support the government and individuals and organisations to improve the lives of the people. He commended Dr Osei Kofi, Senior Medical Officer in charge of the hospital, for his dedicated service to the people. Dr Osei Kofi said the 88-bed facility that was opened more than 50 years ago needed rehabilitation.

The hospital lacks modern equipment and he appealed to the Ministry of Health, the Catholic Health Services and non-governmental organisation for assistance.