GH¢5.8m dialysis center launched at Tetteh Quarshie Hospital to tackle kidney issues

A kidney dialysis centre worth GH₵5.8 million has been opened at the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Mampong in the Eastern Region in order to help curb the growing wave of chronic kidney disease deaths in Ghana.

The facility, a coordinated project by the Sustainable Health Education and Interventions (SHEILD), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), some corporate institutions, and individuals, is helping bring up advanced end-stage renal care in the Eastern Region and beyond.

The dialysis centre was officially revealed at a ceremony on Friday with esteemed guests, including the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, in attendance. The project, led by SHEILD in partnership with Enterprise Group PLC, Volta River Authority (VRA), National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Kalmoni Foundation, Revna Biosciences, and individual contributors, also includes a new out-house and waiting area provided by Enterprise Group PLC.

Understanding the expense of dialysis treatment, the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital Dialysis Fund was introduced to support treatment for medically underserved individuals to ensure equal opportunity for life-saving treatment.

In his speech at the ceremony, Mr Alban Bagbin emphasised the fundamental right to healthcare, stating, “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, or economic or social condition.”

His words had a profound impact on the crowd, which included traditional leaders, health professionals, and community members, all united in their determination to fight CKD—a silent killer claiming over 4,000 lives yearly in Ghana.

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, in a special message ahead of the launch, expressed strong support for the initiative as a significant step towards addressing the CKD crisis.

He drew attention to the need for a stable financial framework to support such interventions and promised the ministry’s invaluable support to ensure the facility operates efficiently. He said that “SHEILD’s recognition of this urgent need and their swift action deserve commendation”, assuring stakeholders of government backing to save lives.

The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, described the centre as a “game-changer in providing personalised kidney care solutions in the region. Samuel Awuku stated that “This is a major first step for Akuapem North,” showing gratitude to SHEILD, hospital officials, traditional leaders, corporate sponsors, and community members who came together to realise the project.

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