First Lady inaugurates CHPS compound for Gboloo Kofi
The First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo on Friday inaugurated a Community-based Health Planning Services (CHPS) compound for residents of Gboloo Kofi in the Akuapem North Constituency of the Eastern Region.
The facility, constructed with funding support from the Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation (IMPF) is to promote access to quality and equitable healthcare services as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) in country.
Fitted with an out-patient department, a labour ward, laboratory, pharmacy and consulting rooms, the CHPS compound is expected to serve the about 30,000 inhabitants within the sub-district.
Inauguration
Inaugurating the health centre which brought together traditional rulers, health officials within the regional and district directorate, development partners and scores of party faithful’s, the First Lady said the idea to construct a CHPS compound for Gboloo Kofi was to improve general health outcomes at the primary level of care.
She said some few years ago, Infanta Malaria Foundation decided to invest in CHPS to improve health outcomes especially for women and children to specifically help reduce malaria prevalence and deaths, specificaly for pregnant women and children as means of achieving the UHC goal.
Mrs Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that the inaugurated CHPS compund would help ease pressure on the three already existing health centres that served the entire sub-district.
“As we are all aware, CHPS compounds promote access to quality and equitable healthcare services to all Ghanaians, particularly those in rural and deprived communities and the Gboloo Kofi CHPS will ease the pressure on the three centres that serves the over 30,000 residents of this area which creates pressure on these health facilities, limiting care for many women and children.”
The First Lady entreated management of the District Health Directorate and health staff to take good care of the facility and its equipment, snd also urged the residents to patronise the services provided at the centre.
Internet access
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary aspirant for the area, Sammy Awuku pledged to further complement the efforts of the First Lady and the IMPF by ensuring 24 hour security as well as internet access at the facility to facilitate service delivery.
“When I become the MP for this area, it is on my heart to institute an award scheme for health workers who work in rural areas like Gboloo Kofi to motivate them.
With support from our flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, we will continue the good works of President Akuffo-Addo to make life more comfortable for Ghanaians,” he assured.
Nene Teye Gbolooo III, Odikro of Gboloo Kofi, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the IMPF, stressing the timeliness of the centre to advance healthcare delivery in the area.
Writer's email: rebecca.quaicoe@graphic.com.gh