By Philip Temgzu
Dowine (UWR), Sept. 10, GNA – Mr Bede Ziedeng, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Lawra Constituency, has commissioned a medical laboratory at the Dowine Health Centre to improve access to healthcare services for residents of the area.
The commissioning marks a significant milestone for the health facility, which has operated without a laboratory since its establishment about five decades ago.
The absence of laboratory services compelled patients, including pregnant women, children, and the aged, to travel long distances to either Lawra or Jirapa to access diagnostic services, resulting in additional costs, delays in diagnosis and treatment, and increased risks to patients.
To address the challenge, Mr Ziedeng contributed GH¢60,000 towards the project, while community members provided GH¢8,995 and the Municipal Health Directorate contributed GH¢4,835.
The new facility has been equipped with modern diagnostic equipment, including a haematology analyser and microscopes. A laboratory technician has also been posted to the centre to ensure the efficient utilisation of the laboratory.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr Ziedeng expressed optimism that the facility would enhance healthcare delivery in Dowine and neighbouring communities.
He said his support for the project followed an appeal by the Municipal Director of Health Services and formed part of his broader commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services within the municipality.
The MP noted that he had earlier supported the rehabilitation of a staff bungalow at the Dowine Health Centre and intended to rehabilitate another to improve accommodation for health workers.
He also cited the provision of medical equipment worth more than GH¢70,000 to the Eremon Health Centre and non-drug consumables valued at over GH¢100,000 to the Lawra Municipal Hospital as key interventions in the health sector.
Madam Phoebe Balagumyetime, Lawra Municipal Director of Health Services, said the lack of laboratory services at the health centre had been a major challenge, especially for pregnant women who require regular laboratory tests during antenatal care.
She explained that the situation negatively affected health indicators because some expectant mothers could not readily access essential services such as haemoglobin testing.
“With the opening of this laboratory, we are addressing this issue by providing essential diagnostic services closer to the clients.
“It will also enable quicker and more accurate care for our mothers, children and all residents within the Dowine enclave and surrounding communities,” she said.
In a speech read on her behalf, Madam Cecilia Soyelleh, the Lawra Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the Assembly recognised healthcare as a priority and remained committed to supporting the improvement of health infrastructure in the municipality.
She said that the Dowine Health Centre was currently undergoing rehabilitation under the Northern Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project to enhance service delivery.
Naa Mwin-Ninge Fulgencious, Chief of Dowine, expressed gratitude to the MP and the Health Directorate for establishing the laboratory, describing it as a major relief for the community and surrounding settlements.
He said access to laboratory services had long been a challenge because the entire sub-district was located far from existing diagnostic centres.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah