By Victoria Agyemang
Cape Coast, Oct. 20, GNA – The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) in collaboration with the University of Utah in the United States of America, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Ensign Global University, has launched a laparoscopic surgical training programme to strengthen surgical expertise and improve healthcare delivery in Ghana.
The initiative is aimed at equipping surgeons and other healthcare professionals with modern minimally invasive surgical techniques to enhance patient safety, reduce complications and improve surgical outcomes.
Laparoscopic surgery, commonly known as keyhole surgery, involves performing surgical procedures through small incisions using specialised instruments and cameras, allowing patients to experience less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
The programme seeks to promote knowledge transfer, practical surgical training, research collaboration and the adoption of innovative medical technologies in Ghana’s healthcare system.
Dr Eric Kofi Ngyedu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, emphasised the importance of expanding access to modern surgical services and building the capacity of healthcare professionals.
The hospital’s investment in laparoscopic surgery forms part of its broader commitment to providing specialised healthcare services and positioning itself as a centre of excellence in surgical training and healthcare delivery.
The CCTH has already made significant progress in introducing laparoscopic services, including training surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and biomedical engineers and acquiring simulation equipment to support continuous professional development, Dr Ngyedu noted.
He added that the new collaboration was expected to build on the aforementioned achievements to create further opportunities for advanced training, mentorship and knowledge sharing among medical professionals.
Professor Raymond R. Price of the University of Utah, an expert in global surgery and minimally invasive surgical techniques, stated that he was involved in initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality surgical care and strengthening surgical education in resource-limited settings.
His work had focused on building sustainable surgical capacity through international partnerships, professional training and the introduction of innovative surgical techniques.
The collaboration with CCTH and the other participating institutions was expected to provide opportunities for Ghanaian surgeons to benefit from international expertise while developing the practical skills required to perform minimally invasive procedures, he added.
The Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons is expected to contribute its expertise in postgraduate medical education and specialist training, while Ensign Global University will support the partnership through its experience in global health education, research and institutional collaboration.
The programme also highlights the importance of partnerships between local and international institutions in addressing gaps in specialised healthcare delivery.
By strengthening the skills of Ghanaian surgeons, the initiative is expected to improve access to modern surgical procedures, particularly for patients in the Central Region and surrounding communities.
It is further expected to contribute to reducing the burden associated with prolonged hospitalisation and improving the overall quality of surgical care.
The partnership underscores the commitment of the participating institutions to advancing surgical education, promoting medical innovation and building a sustainable healthcare workforce capable of responding to the country’s evolving healthcare needs.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Benjamin Mensah