President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has inaugurated a state-of-the-art €38 million Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s healthcare system.
The new Centre, which is the biggest in Sub-Saharan Africa, is set to provide critical care for patients suffering from kidney diseases and urological disorders as well as offering advanced treatments that were previously not available in the country.
It is also expected to reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for specialised care, while positioning Ghana as a hub for medical tourism in the West African sub-region as patients in the neighbouring countries will visit the facility for critical medical treatments.
The construction of the Centre was made possible through a credit facility provided by Raiffeisen Bank International AG of Austria, with insurance cover from OeKB Group.
Cutting-edge technology
The Centre boasts of cutting-edge technology and a wide range of services aimed at addressing the growing burden of urological and nephrological conditions in the country.
President Akufo-Addo described the opening of the facility as a “considerable milestone” in Ghana’s healthcare journey, one that exemplifies the government’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.
“This modern facility will provide advanced treatments for patients with chronic and acute kidney failures, as well as other urological conditions. The Centre is also positioned to offer life-saving services such as kidney transplants, helping to fulfil our national objective of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” President Akufo-Addo stated.
The Centre
The Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence is fully equipped to deliver comprehensive healthcare services.
It includes a 30-suite dialysis station for patients with kidney disorders, a 70-bed unit for genito-urinary patients, an outpatient department, and comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services.
The facility also has inpatient care services, administrative and management offices, public amenities, and staff facilities.
In addition, it features medical and non-medical support services, a research facility, and a three-year post-construction maintenance and training program to ensure the facility’s smooth operation in the years ahead.
With such state-of-the-art capabilities, the Centre will be able to serve not only Ghanaians but also patients from neighbouring countries.
Medical tourism
The Centre opens the door for medical tourism, which President Akufo-Addo emphasized as a potential revenue generator for the facility.
“The Centre will put Ghana on the map for medical tourism, providing services to patients from neighbouring countries and beyond. This will generate additional revenue for the facility, ensuring sustainability and continued expansion of services,” he emphasised.
Maintenance culture
As part of the government’s focus on sustainable healthcare infrastructure, President Akufo-Addo underscored the importance of maintaining the Urology and Nephrology Centre to ensure its longevity.
He called on the management of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to adopt a robust preventive maintenance strategy to keep the facility in optimal condition.
President Akufo-Addo also emphasised the role of community involvement in holding healthcare managers accountable for the proper utilization of the facility.
“It is critical that we implement a well-thought-out maintenance plan. I call on the management of the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence to adopt a robust preventive maintenance strategy to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of this facility,” he stressed.
Healthcare prioritised
The government of President Akufo-Addo has long prioritised healthcare development as part of its broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Ghanaians. The inauguration of the Urology and Nephrology Centre is just one example of the many initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare across the country.
President Akufo-Addo pointed to the significant strides his administration has made in healthcare infrastructure, citing the successful inauguration of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital in August 2024 as a recent example.
Healthcare projects
By the close of 2024, the government expects to complete several additional healthcare projects, including the construction of 11 district hospitals and one polyclinic each in the Ashanti, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Ahafo Regions.
These projects are part of the government’s flagship “Agenda 111” projects, which aims to build district hospitals in every district without one, as well as fully functional regional hospitals in each regional capital, particularly in the newly created regions.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the progress of Agenda 111, noting that eight district hospitals are nearly completed, while the overall progress of the project stands at 69% as of September 2024.
He expressed confidence that several of the facilities currently at over 90% completion would be finished before the end of the year.
“These projects represent the fulfillment of our commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring the delivery of more efficient healthcare services across the country.
“Our healthcare infrastructure stands as one of the greatest legacies of my administration,” President Akufo-Addo added.
Distribution of health workers
In addition to expanding healthcare infrastructure, President Akufo-Addo said his government is focused on addressing the uneven distribution of healthcare workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
This effort, he announced, is part of the government’s broader strategy to make healthcare services more equitable across the country.
“We remain steadfast in addressing the uneven distribution of healthcare workers. I urge the Ministry of Health to expedite the completion of the draft incentive package for government consideration, ensuring that healthcare staff are placed where they are most needed,” President Akufo-Addo reiterated.
Appreciation
President Akufo-Addo extended his gratitude to all who contributed to the project’s success, including the financiers, contractors, consultants, and healthcare professionals.
He also acknowledged the dedication of international partners and stakeholders, including Messrs Vamed Engineering and their Ghanaian technical consultants, who delivered exceptional work.
