First Lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo has inaugurated a Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound for residents of Gboloo Kofi in the Akuapem North Constituency of the Eastern Region.
The facility, constructed with funding from the First Lady’s Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation (IMPF), aims to promote access to quality and equitable healthcare for the community. It is part of broader efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana.
The compound is equipped with an outpatient department, a labour ward, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and consulting rooms. It is expected to serve approximately 30,000 inhabitants within the sub-district.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, health officials from the regional and district health directorates, development partners, and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mrs. Akufo-Addo stated that the decision to construct a CHPS compound for Gboloo Kofi was driven by the need to improve health outcomes, particularly at the primary care level.
“Some years ago, we at the Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation decided to invest in CHPS to improve health outcomes, especially for women and children,” she explained. “This initiative also aligns with our goal of reducing malaria prevalence and deaths, particularly among pregnant women and children, as a means of achieving UHC.”
She expressed confidence that the CHPS compound would alleviate the pressure on the three existing health centres that currently serve the sub-district’s population.
“As we all know, CHPS compounds provide access to quality and equitable healthcare, particularly for rural and underserved communities. The Gboloo Kofi CHPS will ease the strain on the three centres serving over 30,000 residents, improving care for many women and children,” Mrs. Akufo-Addo said.
She encouraged the management and staff of the health directorate to maintain the facility and its equipment. She also appealed to residents to patronize the services provided at the centre.
Mr. Sammi Awuku, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Akuapem North, pledged to support the First Lady’s initiative by ensuring 24-hour security and internet access at the facility to enhance service delivery.
“When I become the MP for this area, I intend to institute an award scheme for health workers in rural communities like Gboloo Kofi to motivate them,” he said. He also assured that, with the support of NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, they would continue the developmental efforts initiated by President Akufo-Addo to improve the lives of Ghanaians.
Nene Teye Gboloo III, Odikro of Gboloo Kofi, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the IMPF for the initiative, highlighting its significance in advancing healthcare in the area.
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