By Kwabia Owusu-Mensah
Kumasi, April 16, GNA – The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi has pledged commitment to lead in not just clinical care of colorectal diseases, but public education, research and advocacy on the disease in the country.
Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, Chief Executive of the hospital, who stated this, said despite its growing burden, colorectal disease remained under-researched and under-documented in the country.
As a teaching and research institution, the hospital would commit to generating local data that reflected the unique context of the country.
The data is essential not only for improving clinical care, but also helping to shape national health policy that is responsive, inclusive, and effective.
Prof. Addai-Mensah was speaking at the maiden national workshop on colorectal diseases in Ghana, in Kumasi.
It was organized by KATH to bring together professionals, educators, advocates and policy-makers to address a long overlooked but critical area of public health.
Prof Addai-Mensah pointed out that managing colorectal disease required a team-based approach.
KATH was, therefore, investing in both infrastructure and training to ensure that it could offer holistic, patient-centered care from diagnosis through recovery and beyond.
He stressed the need for partnerships with academic institutions, ministries and international partners to expand the research base and drive innovation in colorectal care.
Dr Fred Adomako Boateng, Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, stressed the need to build capacities at the local levels to offer quality care for patients of the disease at the primary health facilities.
Professor Henry Lawson, Vice Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, said the College was committed to expanding specialists training to help promote quality healthcare delivery at all levels.
He stressed the need to also equip nurses and other health professionals with the insights and critical skills and knowledge to help strengthen outcomes in the treatment journey of colorectal diseases.
Dr Kwabena Agbedinu, Programme Chair of the First Colorectal Disease Workshop in Ghana, said the workshop was the start of a journey to transform not only the way professionals think about colorectal health in Ghana, but also how they responded to it through clinical practice, policy, education and community engagement.
He pointed out that, colorectal disease ranging from common conditions like hemorrhoids and anal fissures, to serious and potentially life-threatening illness such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, affected lives of thousands of people across the country.
Yet discussions around them are often shrouded in silence, stigma, or simply overshadowed by other public health priorities.
The workshop was, therefore, a call to action and to collaboration.
It is an opportunity to share knowledge, bridge the gaps, and inspire innovations in prevention, diagnosis and management of colorectal conditions.
GNA
KOM/CA