Story By: Gloria Anderson
The Minister for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has revealed at a press briefing held today at the Ministry of Information that the government has completed 60% Weija Children’s Hospital and 19% of the La General Hospital.
This he noted amongst significant developmental projects in developing healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Okoe Boye also mentioned that the project at Weija, is intended to relieve pressure on Princess Marie Louise Hospital, Accra’s only operational children’s hospital.
“We are working with speed to make sure that before the end of this year, Princess Marie Louis relocates to the new Weija Municipal Children’s Hospital,” He stated.
He reiterated that the new 120-bed Weija Children’s Hospital will modernize pediatric care in the Greater Accra Region and pointed out that while adult patients may eventually be admitted, the hospital’s primary focus will always remain on pediatric care.
“Some of the health workers in Greater Accra wanted it to be a hospital for everybody. We are not going to agree. It’s for children, and it will remain for children,” he confirmed.
Dr. Okoe Boye also stated that, despite the challenges presented by the global financial crisis and Ghana’s debt exchange program, he was confident in the government’s capacity to complete these projects.
He emphasized the government’s resilience in advancing these important healthcare infrastructure projects, despite challenges such as financial difficulties, logistical issues, or delays. The government has remained committed to pushing forward with the construction and improvement of healthcare facilities.
“For those who have passed, we can’t bring them back. But for projects that have stalled, we can reactivate them,” he said.
The progress at La General Hospital and Weija Children’s Hospital highlights the government’s broader efforts to improve healthcare access and build a more resilient health system capable of addressing the needs of all Ghanaians.
Dr Okoye Boye said these when he took his turn at the ‘Meet the Press‘ Series organized by the Ministry of Information in Accra yesterday, 18th September, 2024.