Sandema: Mr. James Agalga, the Member of Parliament for the Builsa North Constituency, has raised alarms over the concerning state of the Sandema Hospital, describing it as "sick" and in urgent need of repair.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Agalga expressed his concerns during a ceremony where a newly refurbished paediatric ward was handed over to the hospital's management. The refurbishment, costing GHS377,612.60, was funded through Mr. Agalga's share of the MPs Common Fund. Prior to this renovation, the hospital's paediatric ward, much like other sections of the facility, was plagued with issues like cracked walls, peeled paint, broken louver blades, and torn wire mesh. Moreover, the roof leaked, electrical cables were exposed, and medical equipment was outdated, showcasing the overall deterioration of the hospital.
The Sandema Hospital, established in 1930, has served the health needs of the local community for 95 years. It was upgraded to a Health Centre in 1970 and later became a District Hospital in 1992. Despite its longstanding service, the hospital has not undergone any substantial renovations since its inception. The Ghana News Agency first highlighted the hospital's plight on September 4, 2023, noting that it serves not only the Builsa North Municipality but also parts of the Kassena-Nankana West District and Mamprugu Moagduri District, as well as some communities in the Upper West Region.
During the event, Mr. Agalga revealed his discussions with Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister for Health, regarding the hospital's condition. A technical team has since been dispatched to evaluate the hospital, and Mr. Agalga assured that improvements are forthcoming. He took "immediate and decisive" action to renovate the paediatric ward while waiting for the planned refurbishment of the entire facility.
The MP commended the efforts of Mr. Solomon Ansoabyie Akogti, the Municipal Chief Executive, the Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service, the hospital's Medical Superintendent, and the management for their supervisory roles in the timely completion of the renovation. Mr. Agalga pledged to continue collaborating with the Assembly to enhance the hospital's infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of improving the facility.
The Municipal Chief Executive expressed gratitude to the MP for his efforts and underscored the importance of maintaining the renovated facility. Mr. Cabral Vwawojei Bantiu, the Builsa North Municipal Director of the GHS, received the refurbished ward on behalf of the hospital's management, thanking the MP for his ongoing support. He assured all stakeholders that the facility would be well-maintained and called for additional support to elevate the hospital's standards.