Ankaful Leprosy/General Hospital cries over unpaid NHIS claims, et al.

Authorities of the Ankaful Leprosy and General Hospital are appealing to the government, individuals and organizations for urgent support to address some serious challenges militating against quality health care delivery at the facility. According to the medical superintendent of the hospital, Dr Ekow Amankrah- Otabir, the hospital has inadequate staff, accommodation challenges and serious encroachment problem among others. This was revealed at a ceremony to commission a 20-bed capacity accident and emergency unit at the facility, aimed at expanding, improving and providing quality health care. Dr Amankrah- Otabir also expressed worry about the non-payment of NHIS claims by the National Health Insurance Authority for about a year, which is gravely affecting its operations. He therefore pleaded with government to immediately intervene to address the challenges to make the hospital more friendly to clients. In a speech, Dr. George Otoo, the Municipal Health Director for the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA) lauded the management of Ankaful Leprosy and General Hospital for its services to people within KEEA. He is hopeful the new accident and emergency unit will help reduce the pressure on other major health facilities in the municipality and will also provide quick response to emergency cases. He pledged the health directorate’s support to make the new edifice useful for its catchment area. The accident and emergency unit has male and female wards as well as a doctor’s consulting room, a procedure room, nurses station, store rooms and other important rooms. It was funded by some Italian organizations. The Ankaful Leprosy and General Hospital was established in 1951 specifically  for leprosy but has over the years gone  through some changes elevating it to a general hospital . Available statistics indicated that leprosy is no more at an alarming rate in Ghana.285 cases were for instance recorded nationwide at the end of 2016. By Thomas Vincent Cann |TV3|3news.com| Ghana]]>