Korle Bu launches trust fund to improve facility

The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has launched a trust fund to generate funds to expand infrastructure at the facility and to procure vital equipment to enhance health-care delivery.

The fund would, among other things, be used to undertake priority projects such as the construction of Children’s Emergency Block, Gynaecological Care Complex and Surgical Out-Patients Department.

It would also be used for Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) retooling, improve the sewerage system in the hospital and build a water reservoir.

The KBTH, which had a 192-bed capacity at its inception in 1923, has a current bed capacity of 2,000 and serves as the biggest national referral centre and the third largest hospital in Africa.

Currently, the hospital records an average daily attendance of 1,500 patients at the OPD, out of which 250 are admitted daily for further management.

The increasing number of referral cases in the country and other parts of Africa to the hospital has put pressure on its infrastructure and medical equipment, hence the need to expand infrastructure and procure modern equipment.

The trust fund has therefore, been initiated by the board and management of the hospital to solicit support from individuals, corporate bodies and philanthropists. This is to augment the government’s budgetary allocation to the hospital.

Speaking at the launch of the fund in Accra last Saturday, the Board Chairman of KBTH, Professor Anthony Mawuli Sallar, said the fund would also cater for the medical expenses of “pauper patients” who need emergency treatment but were unable to meet the cost.

The launch

The colourful event to launch the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Trust Fund was attended by key personalities in the medical fraternity, traditional rulers, political figures and people from all walks of life.

Amid a musical performance by the Police Band, the Minister of Health, Mr Alex Segbefia, and Prof. Sallar interacted with the other dignitaries at the event.

The pair were joined by the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Accra Diocese of the Catholic Church, Most Rev Gabriel Charles Palmer Buckle, for the introduction of the Board of Trustees, members and the blessing of the KBTHTF cake.

Prudent management of funds

Prof. Sallar said through pragmatic and prudent measures, the hospital increased its revenue by GH¢1.1 million in four departments last year.

“We have paid GH¢5 million out of the GH¢6 million debt. In the next three months, we will go cashless with services being paid for through the banks to plug revenue leakages,” he said.

Prof. Sallar said the board that had been constituted to manage the KBTHTF would ensure that it was efficiently and effectively utilised.

“Annual audited accounts will be shared with the public through publications to ensure transparency, probity, and accountability,” he said.

Support the KBTHTF

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr Segbefia, President John Mahama urged corporate bodies and philanthropists to help address the equipment needs of the hospital.

The President also urged the board and the KBTH management to put in place a robust mechanism to prevent mismanagement of proceeds from the fund.

“Much as the establishment of the fund is laudable, you need to work hard to come up with good packages that will be worthy legacies to transform the hospital. You should be ready to open up for greater scrutiny by people who commit resources to this fund,” he advised.

 President Mahama also said there was the need for the management and board to be accountable to the people and help to provide resources for better customer care services to show value for money.