Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, the Presidential Advisor on Health, has affirmed the forthcoming passage of the Organ and Tissue Donation Bill in Ghana, aimed at addressing cornea blindness and facilitating organ transplantation. Speaking at the second Corneal Transplant Summit in Accra, Dr Nsiah-Asare highlighted the importance of the bill in tackling diseases and injuries that cause irreversible blindness.
The bill, currently with the Ministry of Health, awaits the formulation of policy before being sent to the Cabinet and the Attorney General for further action. Once passed, the bill will establish a Human Organ and Tissue Authority (HOTA) responsible for overseeing organ and tissue donation, creating a national register, and ensuring ethical and legal standards.
Dr Nsiah-Asare underscored the urgent need for public awareness campaigns, collaboration with international organizations, and investment in training and infrastructure to enhance the success of corneal transplantation and improve vision outcomes for patients.
Dr. James Addy, HCP Cureblindness Country Director, emphasized the significance of the legislation in addressing the high demand for corneal transplants in Ghana, where thousands await sight-saving surgeries. Despite progress in eye care services, significant challenges persist, with a large portion of the population experiencing vision loss.
Dr. Seth Lartey, Corneal Surgeon at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, stressed the bill's importance in establishing eye banks and facilitating fair and accessible transplantation services. Currently, corneal surgeons rely on overseas donations, which are costly and time-consuming.
Dr Dziffa-Balla Ofori-Adjei, President of the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana (OSG), highlighted the commitment of medical professionals to training the next generation of cornea surgeons. The passage of the bill is seen as crucial in bridging the gap between the need for transplants and the availability of donor corneas.
In conclusion, the summit emphasized that corneal donation and transplantation are acts of humanity that transcend borders and cultures, and urged swift action in passing the legislation to address cornea blindness effectively in Ghana.
