BY: VoltaOnline | NewsDesk
The Governing Board of Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) has engaged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Volta Executives and selected media houses in a landmark stakeholder meeting, aimed at rallying support for the expansion of the facility and strengthening public confidence in its services.
Board Chairman, Dr. Delanyo Dovlo, underscored the crucial role of the media in shaping public trust in healthcare delivery. He noted that the media’s reportage influences healthy behaviours and bridges health institutions with the communities they serve. “We see the media not as critics to be feared, but as indispensable partners in national development and in our shared mission of improving healthcare outcomes,” he affirmed.
Dr. Dovlo highlighted strides made by the hospital, including strengthened specialist services, improved infection control, and the introduction of digital health systems. He proudly announced the establishment of a Music Therapy Studio, the first of its kind in West Africa, positioning HTH as a destination for wellness and medical tourism.
Ho Teaching Hospital began as a 180-bed regional facility before its upgrade to teaching hospital status, with capacity rising to about 300. This transition enabled the hospital to deliver tertiary healthcare and serve as a training ground for medical professionals in partnership with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). Despite these gains, it remains the least resourced among Ghana’s teaching hospitals in terms of infrastructure, though it continues to leverage its dedicated human resource base to meet its mandate.
Dr. Dovlo therefore stressed the need for urgent expansion of the facility, and called on all stakeholders to join the advocacy for the long-awaited 500-bed expansion project by the government to materialise. He also appealed to President Mahama for expedited action on the Korea Exim Bank Loan Facility to ensure construction begins without delay.
Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Hintermann Mbroh, acknowledged challenges with service delivery but assured that measures are being taken to improve patient experience. He welcomed plans to establish a cardiology centre and pledged the hospital’s support for the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme. He also commended MTN Ghana for expanding the Accident and Emergency department, increasing its bed capacity from 22 to over 50.
Other members of the Board, including the Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Prof. Lydia Aziato, urged the media to exercise responsibility in their reportage, stressing constructive collaboration between the hospital and the media to build public confidence.
Chairman of GJA-Volta, Dr. Harrison Belley, commended the Board for initiating the engagement, describing it as the first of its kind. He said the platform would foster dialogue and help the media better understand the operations of the hospital, thereby strengthening collaboration. He expressed the hope that regular stakeholder interactions would minimise misinformation and enhance public confidence in the facility.
The GJA Secretary, Mr. Lambert Atsivor, also commended the hospital management for revamping its communication outfit, which he said would improve stakeholder interactions and build public trust.
Other GJA Executives present included King-Freeman Nutsukpoe, Treasurer, and Elorm Aryee, Administrator.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
