Thousands of kidney patients in northern Ghana can now access dialysis treatment closer to home following the commissioning of an expanded dialysis unit at the Upper West Regional Hospital in Wa. The GH¢4 million facility was inaugurated by Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, in partnership with Sustainable Health Education and Interventions Limited (SHEILD), the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and other development partners.
Expanding Dialysis Services to Northern Ghana
The expansion included six additional dialysis machines, ancillary equipment, and staff training support. This expanded facility is expected to serve patients from the Upper West, Upper East, Savannah, North East, and Bono Regions, as well as other communities across the northern corridor. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in northern Ghana had for years travelled long distances to Accra and Kumasi to access dialysis services, incurring huge transportation costs and enduring long waiting times.
Investing in Healthcare Equity
Commissioning the facility, Mr Bagbin described the project as an investment in healthcare equity and a significant step towards reducing geographical barriers to specialist care. “For the mother praying beside the hospital bed of her child; for the father whose greatest wish is simply to remain healthy enough to provide for his family; for the young person with dreams still waiting to be fulfilled… this investment is for you,” he said. The speaker stressed that the people of the Upper West region deserved access to quality healthcare and opportunities to thrive irrespective of their location.
A Global Health Challenge
Chronic kidney disease remains a major global health challenge. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 674 million people worldwide are affected by CKD, with the majority living in low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, the disease claims more than 4,000 lives annually. The statement noted that with fewer than 500 dialysis machines available nationwide, access to treatment remains limited.
Partnerships and Collaboration
The project aligns with the Government's efforts to decentralise specialised healthcare services and reduce disparities in access across regions. Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, said partnerships such as this complement national efforts to improve healthcare delivery and demonstrate the important role that collaboration plays in building a resilient health system. Dr Sylvie Anie, Board Director of SHEILD, said the expanded unit symbolises hope for patients and families who have struggled for years to access specialised kidney care.
A Step Towards Sustainable Healthcare Outcomes
Dr John Nkrumah Mills, also a Board Director of SHEILD and a specialist surgeon, underscored the importance of investing in both people and systems to achieve sustainable healthcare outcomes. “This facility demonstrates what is possible when partners unite around a shared vision,” he said. Dr Philip K. K. Baabiineh, Medical Director of the Upper West Regional Hospital, said the expansion will improve timely access to treatment and reduce the burden on patients and their families.
Next Steps
The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional authorities, Members of Parliament, development partners, health professionals, and community representatives. The Upper West Regional Hospital will continue to invest in staff capacity building and maintenance of the equipment to ensure sustainable service delivery. This expanded dialysis unit represents a significant step towards improving healthcare outcomes for patients in northern Ghana and serves as a model for partnerships and collaboration in the healthcare sector.
Source: Joy Online
