Construction has commenced on a $2.86 million fully equipped 20-bed health facility in Aiyinase, Ellembelle District, Western Region, aimed at enhancing healthcare access and services in the area.
The project, named the Aiyinase Health Centre, is part of the social investment program initiated by the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) and Quantum Terminals Plc, one of the off-takers of processed gas from the Atuabo gas processing plant.
The existing health facility in Aiyinase is in a dilapidated state, necessitating the referral of patients with severe conditions to the St. Martin d'Pores Hospital in Ekwae. The new health center aims to ease the burden on the district hospital and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for healthcare.
At the sod-cutting ceremony held in Aiyinase, officials from Ghana Gas and Quantum Terminals Plc announced that the project is expected to be completed within 12 months. The facility will feature a spacious outpatient department, wards, maternity ward, diagnosis center, administration office, and other essential amenities like a morgue, pharmacy, and staff accommodation.
Key stakeholders, including Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, District Chief Executive Kwasi Bonzoh, and Paramount Chief of the Nzema East Traditional Area, Awulai Amihere Kpanyile III, attended the ceremony, emphasizing the significance of the project for healthcare delivery in the district.
Augustine Kwesi Amoako, Ellembelle District Director, expressed optimism about the impact of the health center, particularly in improving maternal health and alleviating pressure on existing healthcare facilities. He highlighted the role of the facility as a sub-district healthcare provider, serving a significant portion of the district's population.
Stephen S. Nanyina, Board Chairman of Ghana Gas, underscored the importance of the project in addressing the critical medical needs of the community. He emphasized the company's commitment to social investment, noting that the Aiyinase Health Centre represents one of the largest social investment projects undertaken by Ghana Gas.
The project entails an investment of $2.1 million in physical construction and $747,458 in medical equipment, signaling a significant step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services in the Ellembelle District.