UER: Builsa South Hospital Appeals for Infrastructure Upgrade

By – Prosper Adaakai

The Builsa South District Hospital at Fumbisi, the main referral facility serving more than fifty thousand people across the Upper East, North East, Savannah and parts of the Upper West Regions, is grappling with inadequate infrastructure, obsolete medical equipment and staff shortages. Health authorities say unless urgent investments are made, the hospital will struggle to meet the increasing healthcare demands of the growing population. The concerns came to the fore during the donation of an ultrasound scanner and other medical equipment by the Builsa Union in Bolgatanga.

For thousands of residents in the Builsa South District and neighbouring communities, the Builsa South District Hospital in Fumbisi remains the closest hope for specialised healthcare.

The facility serves over forty thousand people within the district and also receives referral cases from parts of the North East, Savannah and Upper West Regions, bringing its effective catchment population to more than fifty thousand.

But despite its strategic role, the hospital is struggling to cope with increasing demand because its infrastructure has not kept pace with its expanding responsibilities.

Hospital authorities say available ward space is inadequate, the laboratory and theatre require expansion, and several medical units are operating under difficult conditions.

“We have a challenge with infrastructure. The space is inadequate. Mothers and children are sharing wards, our laboratory space is limited, and our theatre also needs improvement. We also have equipment shortages and staffing challenges because many health workers do not want to remain in the rural areas.” Emmanuel Kuu -ere Kob-puo, Builsa South District Director of Health

Beyond infrastructure, the hospital continues to rely on ageing medical equipment, with some essential machines no longer functioning efficiently.

One example is the ultrasound scanner, whose breakdown forced pregnant women and other patients to travel outside the district for diagnostic services, increasing costs and delaying treatment.

Relief, however, came through a donation by members of the Builsa Union in Bolgatanga, supported by a Ghanaian medical specialist based in the Republic of Ireland.

The items included an ultrasound scanner, blood pressure monitors, delivery packs, surgical instruments, forceps and other essential medical supplies.

“Government alone cannot provide everything our hospitals need. We are appealing to all Builsa citizens living in Accra, Tamale and abroad to come together and support healthcare delivery in our communities.” Alhaji Shariff Adams, Chairman, Builsa Union, Bolgatanga

The donation was made possible through the efforts of Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Babamusa Patrice, with support from Mullingar General Hospital and Wexford General Hospital in the Republic of Ireland.

After inspecting the hospital, Dr. Patrice said although the equipment would improve healthcare delivery, the hospital’s infrastructure requires urgent attention.

“The hospital needs major reconstruction and expansion. I hope to mobilise additional support to improve the infrastructure because quality healthcare depends not only on equipment but also on suitable facilities.” Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Baba Musa Patrice

Health authorities believe the new equipment will significantly improve diagnostic services, reduce referrals and enable patients to access quality healthcare closer to home.

“The ultrasound scanner alone will make a huge difference. Instead of referring patients outside for scans and investigations, we can now provide more services here, leading to quicker diagnosis and better treatment.” Builsa South District Director of Health Dr. Emmanuel Kuu -ere Kob-puo

The donation brought immediate relief to the Builsa South District Hospital. However, health authorities insist that modern medical equipment alone will not solve the hospital’s challenges. They say expanding infrastructure, modernising facilities and attracting more health professionals remain essential if the hospital is to provide quality healthcare to the growing population it serves.

The appeal is now directed at government, development partners, corporate organisations and citizens both at home and abroad to invest in expanding the hospital’s infrastructure, ensuring that one of the region’s most important referral facilities is equipped to deliver safe, efficient and quality healthcare for generations to come.

Source – gbcuraonline.com