By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Oct. 28, GNA – The Diaspora African Forum (DAF), in collaboration with Direct Relief, an international humanitarian organisation, has donated medical supplies and essential healthcare items to selected hospitals in Ghana to support patient care.
The donation, channelled through the DAF by the Breast Cancer Institute, includes medicines, syringes, personal care products, protective goggles, hydration supplies, humidifiers and emergency medical response kits.
Dr Erica Bennett, Head of Mission of the DAF, said the initiative formed part of efforts to support Ghana’s healthcare sector and improve access to essential medical supplies for patients who could not afford them.
She said the items were not for sale but were intended to be distributed to needy patients through hospitals selected for their contribution to community healthcare.
“We want to make sure that it is properly distributed. These items are not for sale; they are to be given to patients who cannot afford to buy them,” she said.
Dr Bennett expressed appreciation to Direct Relief for supporting the initiative and acknowledged the contribution of the Breast Cancer Institute, which facilitated the supplies to the DAF.
She said the organisation would continue to undertake educational and health-related projects to support communities in Ghana.
The beneficiary health facilities are the Bechem Government Hospital in the Ahafo region, Tepa Government Hospital in the Ashanti region, Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Mampong, Britannia Medical Centre in Tema and Mamobi General Hospital in Accra.
Ms Brenda Powell, a retired registered nurse and Board Member of the DAF, said the donated items included medicines for various health conditions, emergency response equipment and personal care products.
She explained that the medicines included treatments for gynaecological conditions, skin infections, and type 2 diabetes, as well as medications used to help prevent the rejection of transplanted organs.
Ms Powell, who is also the Development Queen Mother of Tutu in the Eastern region, said the emergency medical response kits contained items that could be used to provide initial care during emergencies in communities and health facilities.
She received the items on behalf of the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital and assured donors that the supplies would directly benefit patients.
“These items will be shared with the hospital, and we will ensure that the patients will receive them.”
Speaking on behalf of the Bechem Government Hospital and Tema Government Hospital, Mr Kingsley Owusu, President of Bechem United Football Club, commended the DAF for its continued philanthropic work and support for healthcare and education.
He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation donated medical supplies that benefited 16 hospitals in the Ashanti region.
Mr Owusu said the partnership had also created opportunities for young Ghanaian footballers to participate in international tournaments and pursue academic opportunities abroad.
According to him, the initiative enabled young people to combine sports with education and skills development, equipping them with alternative career opportunities beyond football.
Ms Jenifer Armanor of Britannia Medical Centre said the donated items would significantly support healthcare delivery and improve patient care.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Hafsa Obeng
Email: [email protected]