By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Nov. 06, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama, has announced the immediate opening of the Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital to the public to address the growing challenges of emergency healthcare delivery and the pressing issue of “no-bed syndrome.
The facility, which officially begins operations on Friday, November 6, is set to provide critical additional capacity to help manage surges in emergency cases across the country.
Speaking at the 68th Annual National Conference of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) at Miotso near Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, the President said that the hospital would serve as a vital resource in the fight against overcrowding in civilian health facilities.
“In the meantime, while the expansion works are being undertaken, we are also opening the Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital to the public. Indeed, it is opening today, and from today, the facility will start receiving patients,” he stated.
The President highlighted that the initiative would foster closer cooperation between military and civilian health services, ensuring better utilization of the country’s available healthcare resources.
“The Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital will provide additional capacity to help manage surges in emergency cases. Bringing military and civilian health services into closer cooperation will allow us to make better use of the country’s available healthcare resources,” he added.
The move is part of a broader strategy by the government to alleviate the strain on public hospitals, where patients often face prolonged waits for beds—a situation commonly referred to as “no-bed syndrome.”
President Mahama noted that the new arrangements were designed to be reliable and patient centered, saying, “These arrangements must work whenever a patient needs them.”
The opening of the facility marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, with the President noting that he had made the commitment clear earlier this year.
The Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital is expected to play a crucial role in saving lives by providing timely emergency care to both military personnel and civilians.
With the new digital system, we will also be able to identify facilities with available beds so that patients can be directed appropriately.
During this difficult period, families must receive clear information and guidance throughout the process.
They should not be left to navigate a fragmented referral system on their own.
President Mahama said timely investigations, specialist reviews and prompt decisions on admission could help prevent avoidable delays in emergency departments.
He said the directive for teaching hospitals to provide 24-hour outpatient laboratory and diagnostic services was intended to support this effort.
The President said implementing this directive required appropriate staffing and duty arrangements, functioning equipment and reliable supplies.
He said cleaning services must also continue throughout the day and night to ensure that expanded services were delivered in a safe environment.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei