President Nana Akufo-Addo inaugurated a state-of-the-art Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on October 18, 2024. This milestone event marks a significant enhancement in Ghana’s healthcare system, primarily designed to address urological and nephrological conditions with advanced treatments previously unavailable domestically. The establishment of the Centre is expected not only to reduce the necessity for patients to seek specialized care abroad but also to position Ghana as a central hub for medical tourism in West Africa. Built at a cost of €38 million through a credit facility from Raiffeisen Bank International AG in Austria, the project is also supported by insurance from OeKB Group. The facility’s advanced technology aims to alleviate the increasing prevalence of kidney diseases and urological disorders in the country.
The Urology and Nephrology Centre is equipped with comprehensive healthcare services, featuring a 30-suite dialysis unit, a 70-bed facility for genito-urinary patients, outpatient services, and extensive diagnostic capabilities. It is also designed to offer critical inpatient care, administrative offices, various public amenities, and staff facilities. Notably, the Centre includes a research facility and a maintenance and training program that will last for three years post-construction. With its state-of-the-art capabilities, the Centre aims to serve both Ghanaians and patients from neighboring countries, promoting medical tourism as a potential revenue source to ensure the facility’s sustainability and continued service expansion.
During the inauguration, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Ghanaians. The Centre’s establishment is part of a broader initiative to improve healthcare access nationwide. The President highlighted the recent commissioning of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital as evidence of ongoing progress in healthcare infrastructure. Further ambitions include completing additional healthcare projects, including 11 district hospitals and one polyclinic across several regions, as part of the “Agenda 111” initiative—a plan to build district hospitals in districts lacking medical facilities as well as fully functional regional hospitals.
As of September 2024, President Akufo-Addo noted that eight district hospitals were nearing completion, with overall progress on the Agenda 111 initiative standing at 69%. He expressed confidence that many facilities currently over 90% complete would be finalized by year-end. These projects are meant to fulfill the administration’s pledge towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and enhancing healthcare delivery. The President underscored that the healthcare infrastructure developed during his time in office would be one of his administration’s significant legacies.
Moreover, the government is also focused on addressing the uneven distribution of healthcare workers, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. President Akufo-Addo urged the Ministry of Health to expedite a draft incentive package designed to ensure that healthcare staff are deployed effectively according to need. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision for equitable healthcare access across Ghana, emphasizing the importance of strategic staff placement in underserved regions.
In discussing the sustainability of the Urology and Nephrology Centre, President Akufo-Addo stressed the necessity for regular maintenance and emphasized community engagement in overseeing healthcare managers’ adherence to proper facility utilization. He called for the Hospital’s management to implement a robust preventive maintenance strategy to sustain the facility’s functionality over time. Lastly, the President expressed his gratitude to all contributors to the project, from financial institutions and contractors to healthcare professionals and international partners. The opening of this Centre not only symbolizes a pivotal achievement in advancing healthcare access in Ghana but also illustrates the government’s dedication to improving health services for all citizens and fostering a healthcare system aligned with sustainable development goals.
