The Duong Youth Development Association (DYDA) has officially transferred ownership of an ultra-modern health facility to the Catholic Health Service Trust (CHST).
This development aims to enhance the timely and quality provision of healthcare services to the people of Duong and the surrounding communities.
The newly inaugurated facility, named “St. Anne Medical Centre,” is situated on the premises of the Duong Bone Centre, a fracture treatment centre in the Duong community.
Funded with support from two Non-Governmental Organizations in the Netherlands, the Equal Opportunity Fund, and the Wild Geese Foundation, the GH¢2.4 million first phase of the facility was completed in 2021.
It has been operational since then, catering to the healthcare needs of the local population.
The facility includes an Out-Patient Department (OPD), an administration block, three wards with a total of 39 beds, consulting rooms, a laboratory, a theatre, a maternity unit, a pharmacy, and a mechanized water system.
Professor Robert Yennah, Chairman of DYDA, addressed the community during the handover ceremony, expressing delight in the potential benefits the facility brings to Duong and its environs.
He highlighted plans for the second phase of the project, which includes constructing residential facilities for the staff.
Prof. Yennah urged the CHST to manage the St. Anne Medical Centre meticulously, transforming it into a world-class health facility that facilitates collaboration between traditional and orthodox medical practitioners to deliver quality services.
The Reverend Sister Juliana Lamisi Akayeti, Executive Director of CHST, Wa, commended the Duong community for their initiative and expressed hope for continued community support in managing the facility.
She announced the appointment of Dr. George Omale, a medical doctor, who will assume a post at the facility in 2024 to further enhance its services.
Mr. David Edu Mensah, a Physician Assistant (PA) in charge of the facility, mentioned low attendance as a challenge and encouraged the community to seek medical attention at the facility rather than resorting to self-medication.
Madam Phoebe Balagumyetime, the Nadowli-Kaleo District Health Director, commended the community for contributing to the goal of increasing access and equity in healthcare delivery.
She praised the community for taking proactive steps in solving their healthcare challenges without solely relying on government intervention.