Dr. Angela Tugbewofia Dotse of the Margret Marquart Catholic Hospital in Kpando has been declared 2018 Best Medical Doctor in the Ho diocese.
This was at a ceremony to launch the 2019 World Day of the Sick held last Thursday at the St. Francis Catholic Clinic in Saviefe-Agorkpo in the Volta Region.
The ceremony, which also saw the 3rd launch of the Diocesan Health Workers’ awards and in commemoration of the 27th World Day of the Sick which falls on Monday, February 11, was on the theme: ‘You received without payment, give without payment’ – drawn from Matthew 10:9.
The World Day of the Sick is a feast day for the Roman Catholic Church instituted on the May 13, 1992 by the late Pope John Paul II. It is celebrated as a way for believers to offer prayers to those suffering from illnesses.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Volta Regional Director of Health, Dr. Timothy S. Letsa, by Dr. Senanu Dzokoto, the achievements of the Catholic Health Service in healthcare delivery in the country was touted.
Dr. Letsa commends health workers across the Region for their sacrifices such as donating their own blood to patients who are in critical conditions.
He announced that clearance has been given to some health workers.
“We have received financial clearance for 16 medical officers and over 700 nurses and allied health workers. It is regrettable however that only 10 officers have given indication that they will report at post. I reiterate the directive of the Director General of the Ghana Health Service that postings and placements will be done according to the existing gaps and not the parochial interest of any health worker”.
In his address, the Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra, who was the guest of honour, commends the Roman Catholic Church for their compassionate approach to treatment of patients and health delivery nationwide.
The MP noted that government’s funding to the sector has been dwindling and also lamented on government’s failure to post graduates in the health sector.
“Government is there for the people to support their well-being and therefore I am pleading to the government to post graduates who are home to Christian health centers to reduce the level of unemployment”.
Speaking exclusively to 3news.com, awardee Dr. Angela T. Dotse said she is grateful to receive such a recognition and promised to improve healthcare service in Kpando and across the diocese.
Dr. Dotse, who hails from Bator in the Volta Region, was transferred from Tamale to Kpando in 2016.
She used the opportunity to advise girls to focus on their studies.
“I schooled in Bator and I am now a female medical doctor. I want to tell my younger ones and sisters not to limit themselves. They should learn very hard and know everything is possible.”
The ceremony was graced by the Ho-Diocese Vicar General, Rev. Fr. William Horlu, the clergy, parishioners and health workers in the diocese and traditional rulers.
By Edward Williams|Ho, Ghana