By D. I. Laary
Koforidua, Oct. 26, GNA – In a move towards enhancing the transformation of healthcare services in Ghana, the MTN Ghana Foundation, has donated 10 laptop computers and two modern interactive boards to the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua.
This contribution is considered timely and noteworthy as it would elevate both standards of quality healthcare delivery and improve the learning experience for medical specialists at the referral facility.
At the donation ceremony, Mrs. Mary Amponsah-Kwatiah, Administrator of the Eastern Regional Hospital, expressed her profound gratitude for the gesture and highlighted the deep impact that the new equipment would have on patient care and specialist training.
“For over five years, we have successfully transitioned to electronic folders, replacing traditional paper records with a more efficient digital system,” she explained.
As a result of the transition, she said, every staff, whether nurse or doctor, was now required to utilize a computer or laptop in their daily tasks, and that the addition of the 10 laptops would not only be beneficial to workers but would also enhance their capabilities substantially.
“These items will go a long way to improve the quality of healthcare service we provide to our clients,” she said.
The hospital had long transitioned from paper folders to an electronic records system, integrating technology into their workflows. Although the addition of the laptop computers would augment the existing supplies, it still falls short of the regional health hospital’s overall demand for about 200 computers or laptops.
Nevertheless, the delivery of these new laptop computers would provide many healthcare workers—ranging from nurses to doctors—with essential tools that would enhance their efficiency and support their application of knowledge in daily medical practices.
The donation is particularly timely as the hospital in January 2024 was granted accreditation from the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons to train fellows in general surgery, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology.
“This donation is instrumental to our specialists and trainees, as they utilize technology for consultations and surgeries, ensuring every vital aspect of patient care is documented electronically,” Mrs. Amponsah-Kwatiah told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the ceremony.
She also took the GNA round the hospital, including the mortuary department, to demonstrate how the automation initiatives were enhancing health service delivery.
She emphasized that all staff members had upgraded their skills to keep pace with evolving technologies.
Notably, some mortuary attendants hold master’s qualifications, reflecting the commitment to professionalism and excellence within the hospital.
With the introduction of the new interactive boards, doctors could now conduct consultations remotely, effectively eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances to the regional hospital. Additionally, the automation of hospital records had significantly reduced unnecessary delays and improved overall productivity.
Mrs. Amponsah-Kwatiah said the transition not only streamlined processes but also discouraged corrupt practices such as bribery, fostering a more transparent and efficient healthcare environment.
She noted that the groundbreaking supplies would allow specialists at the hospital to interact with patients virtually, providing timely and efficient healthcare solutions, stressing “Our doctors can see patients from afar, making it a modern approach to healthcare.”
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager of MTN Ghana Foundation, elaborated on the purpose of the donation, stating that “We are dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning within healthcare institutions. This donation reflects our commitment to support the Eastern Regional Hospital as it elevates its role in the medical field.”
He pointed out that the technology tools would allow physicians in training to receive real-time education and feedback, significantly cutting down on travel time to the national capital, Accra, for lectures and supervision.
“With a click of these devices, they can connect with their lecturers, supervisors and colleagues from any location in Ghana, thus cutting back on travel cost and saving precious time,” he added.
He emphasized the commitment of MTN Ghana to ensuring that everyone enjoyed the benefits of modern connectivity, saying, “Our aim is to contribute to society by providing advanced digital equipment to health institutions, helping to enhance the overall quality of healthcare.”
The Eastern Regional Hospital located in Koforidua is not the first beneficiary of such a transformative gift from the MTN Ghana Foundation.
The foundation had previously supported several educational and health institutions like the University of Ghana Medical Centre, Tema General Hospital and Keta Municipal Hospital, and also provided a 2.2 million Ghana cedis 100-seater robotics centre at Mamfe Methodist Girls SHS as well as a 5.47 million Ghana cedis ultra-modern Accident and an Emergency Block to Bawjiase Polyclinic.
Through their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives established in 2007, MTN Ghana Foundation focuses on health, education, and economic empowerment, constantly seeking ways to strengthen communities and promote development.
As the Regional Hospital embraces the new chapter with innovation and technology, patients and medical practitioners alike could look forward to a healthcare delivery system that is more efficient and accessible.
GNA