Following the successful refurbishment and handover of the A4 and A5 wards at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the second phase of the Heal Komfo Anokye Project is moving along steadily.
After years of decay, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is spearheading a $10 million effort to completely renovate the hospital and restore it to modernity and dignity.
The emphasis is now on generating money for the project’s next phase, while inpatients are using the recently renovated wards.
More information on the plans was provided by Mr. Kwame Frimpong, the Public Relations Officer at KATH, during an appearance on Joy FM’s midday broadcast on Friday, April 18.
He clarified that a robust maintenance plan is part of the initiative to ensure the renovated wards remain in good shape going forward.
Additionally, a maintenance fund is an essential part of the project. According to the Heal Komfo Anokye Project manager’s decision, at least one-tenth of the initial ten million dollars should be allocated for maintenance. “The facilities that we have now been able to replace are maintained by the Asantehene, and we will do everything in our power to prevent them from simply deteriorating over time, as was the case with the 70-year-old block,” he said.
Additionally, Mr. Frimpong provided a schedule for the upcoming renovation phases.
Since all four of the old D blocks were built in 1955, they have not undergone any thorough renovations. Therefore, if the A4, A5, and A3 are completed, we should be going on to A2 and eventually A1. Doing so would have finished the A block. He clarified, “After that, we’ll proceed to the B, C, and D blocks.”
The improvements are more than simply aesthetics. Similar to what has occurred in the regions we have begun, we are doubling or tripling the number of restrooms and WCs [Water Closets]. It’s been 70 years since this facility was built. Although there were fewer patients back then than there are now, the restrooms have stayed the same. Mr. Frimpong declared, “We are tripling, or at least doubling them.”
Additional enhancements include the installation of new window systems with mosquito-proof nets, which are not possible with the current design.
“We are replacing all of the wards’ window systems with netting that keeps mosquitoes out.” The current approach is incompatible with mosquito-proof nets since it requires us to open them out before they can be mended,” he said.
Additionally, Mr. Frimpong disclosed that the oxygen supply is being improved. Additionally, we are installing new oxygen pipes throughout the wards to guarantee that each bed has access to a supply of oxygen. This benefit does not apply to the present wards.
He emphasised that the job goes beyond simple remodelling. It is a complete and thorough modernisation. The remaining wards that will be addressed during the project are also being modernised,” he stated.
The following phase was supposed to be supported by a fundraising and awards event, however it has been postponed.
Mr. Frimpong declared, “Unfortunately, the fundraising event has been postponed due to circumstances beyond the organisers’ control.”
“We would have to adjust their schedule due to this postponement, but we would like to use this opportunity to apologise to everyone who had stated that they would be attending. A new date will be announced to the public shortly. We are working with the Manhyia Palace on this.
