The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health team touring hospitals in the middle belt has affirmed that the Sunyani facility maintains its status as a teaching hospital, despite facing several operational challenges.
Speaking to journalists, the leader of the team, Dr. Sabestian Sandaare dispelled any doubts about the status of the hospital.
“That is not up for debate. Even entering the facility, you can see the level—it’s a teaching hospital. Maybe there are concerns because of some gaps that need to be addressed, but once it’s been designated as such by the government, it remains a teaching hospital,” he said.
He added that while the hospital is not yet operating at 100% of its potential, it is on the right path.
“They are doing well but they have some challenges we need to support them with—especially human resources, infrastructure, and medical equipment. The government will come to their aid,” he assured.
He also underscored the need for the establishment of a medical school to complement the teaching hospital.
According to him, once the teaching hospital is functioning well, a medical school would have a solid centre for practical training.”
He praised the dedication of the hospital’s management and staff while acknowledging critical areas that require urgent intervention.
Dr. Sandaare did not, however, shy away from highlighting some pressing challenges affecting the hospital. Key among these, he said, are issues related to space, medical equipment, and waste management.
“We visited some of the units like the Accident and Emergency Unit and the Pediatric Unit. They need more space because they have some equipment but no adequate space to operate them. This is the opposite of what we see in some facilities where there’s space but no equipment,” he noted.
According to him, the lack of a mammogram machine is also a major concern because breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the country today adding, “Yet, they don’t have a mammogram here, nor does the Bono East region. It’s a serious concern for a teaching hospital.
He also expressed alarm over the management of medical waste, calling it an urgent public health issue and stressed it needs critical attention.
Medical waste, he said, is toxic and has the potential to spread diseases and assured the Committee has taken the matter as a priority and will include it in its report.
Dr. Sandaare pledged that the Committee would work with the necessary authorities to seek solutions to the hospital’s challenges.
“We’ve taken note of their concerns, and we will work to address them,” he said, encouraging hospital management to maintain their hard work and dedication.
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