As part of activities to commemorate the 50th Anniversary, the Union held a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a new Emergency Unit for the University of Ghana Hospital of the University of Ghana Health Services Directorate.
The facility is being undertaken to improve access to health care in the University community and its surrounding communities by providing a state-of-the-art facility that will complement the work of the medical staff to effectively meet the needs of the community.
The existing Emergency Unit, which has a capacity of …. is currently overwhelmed by the number of emergency cases recorded on a daily basis. This forces staff, in their bod to meet all medical needs in the Unit, to treat some patients on chairs, a situation that is obviously less than ideal.
The Unit, which is estimated to cost the Union Three Million Ghana Cedis, will be equipped with male, female and pediatric isolation wards. It would also have support facilities such as a laboratory, a pharmacy, a kitchenette for staff and patients among others.
The ultra-modern Unit, upon completion, is expected to be used in the provision the all emergency services; medical, surgical and accident.
At the ceremony, the Chairman of the Union, Dr Samuel N. Y. Simpson, communicated the importance of the Project; one he said constituted a precious legacy in the Union’s bid to give back to the community to which it belonged.
The Union, within the 50years since its inception in August 1971, has grown to become the credit union with the largest asset size in the country and is still working hard to become a model of excellence in Africa.
The Union hopes to keep empowering members financially, while carrying out projects that promote their overall wellbeing.
The initiative is expected to be completed within three (3) months.
The Director of the UG Health Services, Dr Mark Frempong, stressed that the facility would healthcare delivery, since the existing facility cannot support the growing needs of the community.
He also highlighted the hospital as one of the busiest in the sub region, taking on referrals from other hospitals. He asked that Government and corporate bodies who are able, should support the hospital in the provision of infrastructure.
Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, applauded the Union for its patriotism towards the University Community.
“The Union is a very proactive one which identifies the needs of the community and provides them. This is what is expected of Credit Unions; to meet the needs of their members and the larger community”, she said.
She added that this initiative complements efforts being made by the University’s management and the Government, to make healthcare more accessible.
