The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana, is nearing completion of a hostel facility for relatives of patients on admission. The project, led by Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, aims to provide temporary accommodation for relatives who travel from distant parts of the country to accompany patients receiving treatment. The hostel will offer a convenient and affordable place for relatives to stay while their loved ones receive medical care.
KATH receives patients from 12 of Ghana's 16 regions and provides specialized services that attract patients from outside the country. The hospital's Cleft Centre has treated patients from countries including Mexico, highlighting the need for adequate support facilities. Dr. Baidoo noted that some relatives who accompany patients to KATH often struggle to find affordable accommodation in Kumasi, as they may not have family members or friends in the city.
The hospital's management is working to complete the hostel facility, which has experienced delays due to contractor issues. Dr. Baidoo assured that the management and Board are taking steps to address the challenges and complete the project. The hostel will provide a comfortable and convenient place for relatives to stay, reducing the financial burden of accommodation and allowing them to focus on supporting their loved ones.
Providing accommodation for relatives of patients is not part of KATH's core mandate, but the management has taken up the initiative as a moral responsibility. Dr. Baidoo emphasized that the hospital's core responsibility is to provide healthcare to patients, but supporting their relatives is a collective responsibility that requires stakeholder involvement.
The hospital is engaging individuals and organizations to support the provision of accommodation for patients' relatives. The Church of Pentecost has agreed to incorporate the construction of another hostel facility into its budget. Land has been earmarked for the proposed facility around the hospital's Emergency and Trauma Centre.
KATH has available land for expansion and will continue to explore partnerships with organizations and individuals to develop facilities that complement its healthcare services. Dr. Baidoo stressed that supporting relatives of patients is a collective responsibility that requires stakeholder involvement across the country.
Dr. Baidoo appealed to corporate organizations, faith-based organizations, philanthropists, and individuals to support efforts to provide decent accommodation for relatives of patients receiving treatment at KATH. The hospital's management is committed to completing the hostel facility and ensuring that it provides a comfortable and convenient place for relatives to stay.
Key points
- KATH builds hostel for relatives of patients to provide temporary accommodation
- Hospital receives patients from 12 regions and provides specialized services
- Management engages individuals and organizations to support the provision of accommodation
