UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Prosper Adaakai
The Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga is appealing for the establishment of a dedicated oncology clinic and additional specialised medical equipment to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment in the region
The hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Joseph Kojo Tambil, made the appeal during a stakeholder engagement on the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, in Bolgatanga
Dr Tambil described the programme as timely, citing the financial difficulties families face when confronted with serious illnesses, including cancer, and the growing need for specialised healthcare services
He expressed appreciation to the government and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund for support already provided to the hospital, including medicines and equipment intended to strengthen patient monitoring and improve the quality of care
According to Dr Tambil, more than 30 patients had been identified as potential or acute cases requiring specialised attention, with some referred to other facilities because the necessary treatment services were unavailable locally
He said establishing a dedicated oncology clinic would help strengthen cancer care at the regional hospital and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the region for specialised services
The appeal builds on the hospital’s ongoing efforts to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. In September 2026, Dr Tambil disclosed that management was working to establish an in-house histopathology laboratory to support cancer diagnosis and was engaging an oncologist based in Tamale to review cases at the facility regularly
The development of these services could improve access to timely diagnosis and specialist consultations for patients in the Upper East Region and neighbouring areas served by the hospital
Dr Tambil also called for additional medical equipment, including an MRI machine, ventilators and other diagnostic facilities, to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to manage complex medical conditions
However, the delivery timelines for the proposed equipment remain subject to confirmation
He further highlighted the need for investment in specialised laboratory services and technical personnel, noting that equipment alone would not be sufficient without skilled professionals to operate it and support accurate diagnosis and treatment
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund has announced several nationwide interventions aimed at improving access to specialised healthcare through medical equipment, infrastructure development and specialist training. Its broader strategy follows an assessment of healthcare facilities to identify gaps in equipment, services and human resources
The appeal comes as the Upper East Regional Hospital pursues plans to expand its services and attain tertiary healthcare status
In July 2026, Dr Tambil said the hospital’s long-term ambition was to become a tertiary facility, supported by a five-year strategic plan
The hospital serves patients from the Upper East Region, parts of the North East and Upper West regions, as well as neighbouring Burkina Faso. Its expanding referral responsibilities place additional demands on its specialist services, workforce and infrastructure
The hospital’s management believes that further investment in specialised equipment, laboratory facilities and skilled personnel would strengthen its capacity to provide advanced care closer to patients’ communities
For cancer patients and their families, improved local diagnostic and treatment services could reduce travel costs, ease the burden of referrals and support earlier access to appropriate care
Source – gbcuraonline.com
