The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, has promised to address the understaffing situation at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital by employing more health professionals as the facility prepares to operationalise it Intensive Care Unit later in January.

He said due to the inadequate number of doctors, nurses and specialists, the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital was not fully operational.

Dr Nsiah-Asare said this during a working visit to various units of the Hospital in Accra on Friday.

He expressed gratitude to Management of the Hospital for the clean environment and also for their effort to address some general challenges facing the hospital.

Speaking on some of the challenges, he said there was a limited number of staff including nurses, specialists, pharmacists and doctors.

Dr Nsiah-Asare said since most of the health conditions were not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme, the GHS would try to factor some cost in their annual budget to ensure the hospital was financially viable and continue giving quality care.

“Ridge Hospital has the best Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the country with 36 beds, therefore, we should have intensive care doctors and nurses to ensure that the unit operates effectively,” he said.

“We would engage the Regional Director of the GHS to provide nurses to support the seven Intensive care nurses currently on the field.

“Since the hospital is still under a year warranty, we want to test all the machines so that any defect identified and fixed by the contractors,” he said.

Dr Nsiah-Asare assured the public that the Greater Accra Regional Hospital’s ICU would start operating fully on January 15.

“I will make use of the human resources and students nurses who pass through the hospital to enable them to use these machines before they start working”.

He assured the public that nurses would be absorbed into the system to fill the physical space available, adding that, “The public should expect the GHS to give total health care to citizens.”

The GHS, he said, would look more at clinical care, and continue prevention through vaccination, health education and Health promotion, as well as Health rehabilitation.

He also assured the public that the GHS would integrate mental health into the health system in order to reduce the stigmatization of people with mental health problems.

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Source: GNA

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Out of the number, 50 to 80 per cent die before attaining age five, a situation if not properly checked could deprive the nation of her future national assets.

Mr Kofi Tenkorang, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Sickle Cell Watch, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) disclosed this at this year’s Sickle Cell Day celebration at Kwabenya in Accra on Saturday.

The Day set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is celebrated on June 19 to create an awareness on the dangers of the disease.

He said this happened because carriers of the sickle cell genes were ignorant about the disease and only found out when their children were diagnosed with the disease.

The Chief Executive Officer said sickle cell was the most commonly inherited blood disease in the world and affected people living in countries surrounding the Meditteranean Sea.

He said parents who were both ‘AS’ could give birth to children who had normal blood ‘AA’, ‘AS’ or ‘SS’, adding that there were four other types of the disease but ‘SS’ was the most common type in the country.

Mr Tenkorang said people who carried a genetic trait often carried abnormal gene and a normal version of the same gene, one from each parent and in many conditions ‘you need a double dose of the genes from both parents before a disease can manifest’.

He said a different protein called haemoglobin was made in the red cells of the people with the disease, adding that they made a slightly different form of the protein that carried oxygen in the body which is called the sickle haemoglobin.

Mr Tenkorang said when the sickle haemoglobin was not carrying the oxygen it behaved differently and forced the red blood cells to ‘squeeze’ through small blood vessels to become stiff and very sticky and could block the flow of blood in the body.

‘When the highly fatal disease is diagnosed early parents can be advised on how to take care of their children to be able to survive’, He added.

The occasion was used to donate blood to stock the Ridge Hospital Blood Bank.

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Source: GNA

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This follows the confirmation from Mr. Anaba that his lawyers have sued the state for the wrongful termination of his contract.

[contextly_sidebar id=”jCZVrN2j2Inq1QZi03sORp7Z1bolBN7s”]The suit asked the Court to declare that the decision of the Minister of Health was unlawful, and therefore null and void.

It also asked the Ministry to reinstate, Mr. Anaba as the Medical Director and prohibit the Health Minister and any other person from taking any unreasonable or unfair decision against the applicant.

But speaking Citi News, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, Robert Cudjoe said the Ministry will determine its next line of action once it receives the lawsuit.

“I went to the hospital yesterday and there was no letter. I went to the administration and I was told there was no letter but we have heard from the media that he has sued us. I checked; the legal section, administration and we have not received any letter. Monday, when we go to the office and we receive a letter, we will read the content and accordingly respond.”

Background

Dr. Anaba was given a letter directing him to handover to the Public Services Commission three years short of the expiration of his tenure.

He was expected to return to his former workplace at the University of Development Studies.

Although no reasons were given, the letter said the directive was from the Health Minister who has subsequently appointed Dr. Anaba’s predecessor, Emmanuel Kwabla Srofenyoh. But Dr. Anaba has vowed not to relinquish his post.

In his writ, Dr. Anaba argued in his reassignment was “unlawful because the Minister [of Health] lacked legal authority to effect the release of the applicant from his position as Medical Director of the Greater Accra Regional, Hospital, Ridge.”

According to him, the directive from the Ministry was “unfair and unreasonable and does not comply with the requirement of the Constitution and the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act, 1996 (Act 525 with respect to the appointment and removal of staff of the Ghana Health Service.

He also insisted that “the purported action of the Minister in the letter dated May 10, 2017, constitutes an abuse of power as it amounts to a constructive dismissal of the applicant without just cause in contravention of article 191 (b) of the Constitution.”

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By: Marian Ansah & Felicia Osei/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post We haven’t received Dr. Anaba’s suit – Health Ministry appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The former Director, Dr Thomas Anaba is contesting his transfer from the facility and even threatened to sue government for what he describes as unlawful transfer.

[contextly_sidebar id=”w2o59lAMiXt1ZtaLQDGGyJkQlVw99FdL”]Dr. Anaba said he is still in charge of the hospital but Dr Srofenyo seems to have started work in the newly opened facility as Acting Director.

He told Citi News arrangements are underway to deploy staff into the facility and also receive new patients.

“I have received my letter to that effect. Monday , the 22^nd of May, we will start  deploying our staff into the facility and then we will start receiving new patients into the facility and then we will start receiving new patients into the facility.

“The strategy is going to be that we will keep old patients in the ward wherever we are now and while we take new patients into the facility and as time goes on…, the old block becomes vacant with time and then the new block becomes more populated. The plan is that by the second of June, the entire service delivery mechanism of raid would have fully relocated.”

Meanwhile when Citi News contacted Dr Anaba this morning, he said was in a meeting with his lawyers and will respond in due time.

Tussle between Health Ministry, Medical Director 

There is an ongoing impasse between Dr. Anaba and the Health Ministry.

A supposed letter addressed to Dr. Anaba directed to him to hand over to the Public Services Commission, three years short of the expiration of his tenure.

The letter said the directive was from the Health Minister, who has subsequently appointed Dr. Anaba’s predecessor, Emmanuel Kwabla Srofenyoh.

But Dr. Anaba took the letter as a sign of bad faith and insisted it would be impossible to hand over until the necessary arrangements are put in place for his predecessor to assume his role.

He has also threatened to sue the Health Minister for unduly transferring him from his post.

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By: Marian Ansah & Farida Shaibu/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post Tussle over Ridge Hospital: Two CEOs clash over management appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Mr. Anaba has threatened to sue the ministry for what he claims is an unlawful transfer by the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu.

[contextly_sidebar id=”ZyrpU56nu0mvOPGboTJBGALbDGgLMH54″]Speaking to Citi News, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Robert Cudjoe said they have no choice but to respond to the lawsuit since all interactions have proven futile.

“We have not been served with any letter yet. We’ve heard that he is going to court and he has the right to do that. We’ve been talking to him for the past few days, if he’s not listening to us and he said he is going to court, there is no way we can stop him. When he gets to court, then we will know what will happen, if he has a case, that’s fine, it will be determined in court,” he added.

Background

Last Monday, a letter addressed to Dr. Anaba directing him to hand over to the Public Services Commission three years short of the expiration of his tenure.

Although no reasons were given, the letter said the directive was from the Health Minister who has subsequently appointed Dr. Anaba’s predecessor, Emmanuel Kwabla Srofenyoh.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anaba who has vowed not to relinquish his post immediately as directed in the letter said his lawyers had already began processes that will lead to a lawsuit.

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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post We’re ready for Ridge Hospital CEO lawsuit – Health Ministry     appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to investigations, the patients were moved from the old Ridge Hospital building to the new facility.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Pk8ccLKUeADyxF0YtZR0rbP8C91aTDa8″]The hospital, which is funded by a $250 million credit facility from the US Exim bank and HSBC Bank, was found closed to patients, just three days after it was opened by the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang Manu.

Former President John Mahama had inaugurated the first phase of the project in November 2016 but the hospital remained closed till the Wednesday opening.

Following the opening of the 420-bed, about 50 patients had the opportunity to experienced health care at the hospital.

But Citi News’ Caleb Kudah reported that the brisk activities witnessed at the hospital during its opening were non-existent.

Some persons spoke to him in hope of using the facilities when it was opened on Wednesday but today [Friday], there was no activity, as persons were not allowed not allowed access to the hospital.

Security personnel, who confronted Citi News’ reporter said the hospital was closed at least until Monday.

Health Ministry unaware of closure

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has said it is not aware of the closure of the multi-million medical facility.

The Public Relations officer of the Ministry, Robert Cudjoe, however, says all necessary equipment installations have to be carried out before the facility becomes fully operational.

“This is a big hospital and a lot of work must go on, but as to whether it has been shut down again, I have no idea because we opened it just this Wednesday… No information has come to us that someone has reported and has been refused to be taken care off. That has not come to my attention. If it is, then probably we will know what to do later on,” Mr. Cudjoe told Citi News.

Tussle between Health Ministry, Medical Director 

These revelations come amidst the impasse between Medical Director of Ridge Hospital and the Health Ministry.

A supposed letter addressed to Dr. Anaba directed to him to hand over to the Public Services Commission, three years short of the expiration of his tenure.

The letter said the directive was from the Health Minister, who has subsequently appointed Dr. Anaba’s predecessor, Emmanuel Kwabla Srofenyoh.

But Dr. Anaba took the letter as a sign of bad faith and insisted it would be impossible to hand over until the necessary arrangements are put in place for his predecessor to assume his role.

He has also threatened to sue the Health Minister for unduly transferring him from his post.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ridge Hospital closed again after 2nd commissioning appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to Mr. Quarshigah, the Minister’s decision to dismiss the Ridge Hospital boss was arbitral and contravenes the country’s labour laws.

[contextly_sidebar id=”egLhxbDW3trwsKxTwtWGBW56IJ1yO0Gs”]There is an ensuing confusion at the Ridge Hospital following the refusal of the hospital’s medical director, Dr. Thomas Anaba to leave the facility despite a letter from the Minister of Health directing him to do so.

Mr. Anaba has said that the Ministry was acting in bad faith since it cannot provide reasons for the decision to relief him of his post.

The Public Relations Officer of the Health Ministry, Mr. Cudjoe, Dr. Anaba in an interview on Eyewitness News said, Mr. Anaba must accept the decision and “go on with life.”

But the Keta MP, Richard Quarshigah said the situation adds to the tall list of others experienced under the Akufo-Addo administration.

He said the happening reemphasizes the position of the minority in Parliament that the NPP government was unfairly removing persons who earned their positions on merit.

“I think that this is an unfair treatment, an infringement on the labour and employment laws of our country. The minister of health has erred and I think it is most unfair… Dr Anaba is not alone in this. There are several other cases where people who earned their employment on merit are being sacked from the position based on a perceived political affiliation.”

He added that the Health Minister will be invited to Parliament to answer questions on the developments at the hospital.

“I’ll take this up so strongly. We will institute the process of hurling the various ministers including Agyemang Manu before parliament through excess questions when parliament resumes. Before that, I will also pursue the necessary legal action that can be taken to restore the dignity of democracy that this nation hosts here.”

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ridge Hospital brouhaha: Quashigah to sue health minister appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, Dr. Anaba cannot continue to hold out himself as the head of the facility since he would not be accorded with that respect.

[contextly_sidebar id=”7YtjtelYXTs7jn04dUGkcUlXXWVqCfqs”]Tension is brewing at the Hospital following the refusal of Dr. Thomas Anaba to leave his office in spite of a letter from the Ministry of Health that he leaves the facility.

According to Dr. Anaba, the Ministry has failed to provide reasons for the decision to relief him of his post, noting that it was acting on bad faith.

But according to the Public Relations Officer of the Health Ministry, Mr. Cudjoe, Dr. Anaba must accept the decision and “go on with life.”

“I don’t think he will continue to be that adamant. Even Yahya Jammeh refused to go and he was made to leave the scene so I don’t think he can continue to be at the Hospital as head while a letter is saying he has been transferred. It wouldn’t even auger well for him psychologically. He let bygone by bygone and just go on with life,” he said.

While struggling to provide a justification of the Ministry’s decision, Mr. Cudjoe said it was “normal” for Dr. Anaba to be moved from the health facility since he was a public servant.

Mr. Cudjoe told Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News, that Dr. Anaba was being transferred to back to the University for Development Studies hospital, where he formerly worked.

Some reports said Mr. Anaba was being transferred because he allegedly campaigned for a candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) but Dr. Anaba has refuted the claims saying it may be a case of mistaken identity since he did not ever campaign for any political party ahead of the December 2016 elections.

He accused the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang Manu of abusing power, adding that the Ministry had not event communicated any proper transition process.

Dr. Thomas Anaba was appointed as medical director of the Ridge Hospital on February 1, 2016, by the former government and his appointed letter stated that his tenure ends in 2020.

Some staff of the hospital protested Mr. Anaba’s appointment asking that his deputy, Emmanuel Kwabla Srofenyoh be appointed the head instead.

Meanwhile, Citi News has gathered that the Minister of Health has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Srogenyoh to take charge of the hospital as its acting Medical Director.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Even Jammeh was removed, Anaba will go – Health Ministry PRO appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Last Monday, a supposed letter addressed to Dr. Anaba directed to him to hand over to the Public Services Commission three years short of the expiration of his tenure.

[contextly_sidebar id=”hQh4JraHwAY8lnqccehxAi8AwBm2ggo2″]Although no reasons were given, the letter said  the directive was from the Health Minister who has subsequently appointed Dr. Anaba’s predecessor, Emmanuel Kwabla Srofenyoh.

But Dr. Anaba on Eyewitness News insisted it will be impossible to hand over until the necessary arrangements are put in place for his predecessor to assume his role.

“As you know, as a manager, it is impossible to hand over a facility of that nature immediately …I think the Minister should know that it is impossible …. If I get to leave that place and go, I will be blamed for anything that happens so I need to get the records straight and then do a proper handing over.”

My transfer was in bad faith

Dr. Anaba further stated that his transfer was done in bad faith.

“It was not done in good faith because if you want someone to leave his job, there must be a reason. The terms of engagement explains what should happen for me to be disengaged , transferred or relieved but all these were not met.”

“I have a contract and the contract is four years with possible renewal and I have made up my mind psychologically with my family that we are staying in Accra for at least four years…I have concentrated all my efforts in Accra so how do you come and stop all that without giving prior notice? I think it is unfair,” he added.

According to him, the Minister, Kwaku Agyemang Manu cannot transfer him as it is the Ghana Health Service that appointed him.

Minister acting on orders of contractors

He also alleged  that the Minister acting on the instructions of the contractors working at the hospital, hence the failure to provide cause for the transfer.

“How can a construction company advise a Minister on who to manage a hospital. Is it because I put pressure on them to procure all that they needed for the contract?If it is so I will be happy to leave.”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post ‘I’m not leaving, my transfer is in bad faith’ – Ridge Hospital CEO insists appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The hospital was built by the Mahama administration with a $250 million credit facility from the US Exim bank and HSBC Bank.

The original Ridge Hospital was a 191-bed facility, built in 1929, to provide healthcare for British nationals during the colonial era.

Former President John Mahama inaugurated the first phase of the project in November 2016,

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

Photo credit: Kwaku David Photography

The post Inside the new Greater Accra Regional Hospital [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.