By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Tema, May 26, GNA – Dr Sally Quartey, Tema Metropolitan Director of Health, has announced that screening for patients seeking free surgeries under the Mercy Ships medical mission is currently underway at three hospitals in the Greater Accra Region.
The screening exercise, which started on May 18, is being conducted at Tema General Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and Ga East Municipal Hospital. It is expected to continue until June 5 and takes place from Monday to Friday, excluding Wednesdays.
Speaking at a general meeting of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), Dr Quartey said the exercise forms part of preparations for the arrival of the Mercy Ships medical mission, scheduled to dock in Ghana in August 2026.
She explained that the international charity organisation would offer free surgeries to patients suffering from conditions that often go untreated because of high medical costs or limited access to specialist healthcare.
According to Dr Quartey, the surgeries will cover conditions including hernias, cataracts, cleft lip and palate, facial tumours, lipomas, burn contractures, bow legs, knock knees, and obstetric fistulas.
She noted that patients visiting the screening centres would undergo medical examinations and investigations to determine their eligibility for surgery. Those approved would later be contacted for treatment when the ship arrives.
Dr Quartey appealed to the public to inform relatives and community members who may require such services to visit the designated hospitals before the deadline.
She further disclosed that the Golden Age Youth Centre at Tema Community Seven had been designated as a temporary holding facility for patients and caregivers before and after surgery.
According to her, the Ministry of Health, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, and other stakeholders have already engaged community leaders on the arrangement. She added that a Memorandum of Understanding had been prepared and submitted to Mercy Ships for review.
“We are waiting for them to also make their input so that all parties can come together to sign as required,” she stated.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
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