PLANS ARE far advanced for work to begin on a two-storey multi purpose eye centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
This was made possible following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KATH and the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP) of the US on Tuesday to construct a $1 million Eye Centre of Excellence in Kumasi.
The project which is being executed with funding support from USAID will involve the construction of a two-storey structure with a basement, ophthalmic equipment and training for eye specialists.
The Chief Executive of KATH, Prof. Ohene Adjei and Mr. Job C. Heintz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Himalayan Cataract Project initialed for their respective institutions.
The MOU has paved the way for the project to take off this month as the process of selecting a qualified contractor is almost complete after a National Competitive Bidding (NCB).
The facility, when completed, will serve as a centre of excellence for the training of ophthalmic doctors and professionals in the West African Sub-Region.
In a short address after the signing ceremony, Prof. Ohene Adjei expressed delight about the successful completion of all key preparatory works towards the project.
He said the hospital's current eye clinic is faced with serious problems of congestion and the huge number of patients who troop to the facility for services.
“The new Eye Centre of Excellence, when completed in a year's time will provide the needed facilities and space for the hospital to provide world class training and services to our ophthalmic professionals and patients respectively,” he noted.
He expressed his appreciation to the Himalayan Cataract project, USAID, Moran Eye Centre of the University of Utah and Staff of the hospital for their diverse roles towards the actualization of the project.
Mr. Heintz noted with satisfaction efforts by the KATH eye clinic towards the provision of specialist eye care services especially in underserved areas in the northern part of the country.
He was hopeful that the project would further expand access to specialist eye care for those who need it most in line with the objectives of his organization.
Mr. Heintz pledged the continued commitment of Himalayan Cataract Project to the training of ophthalmic doctors at KATH and West Africa in sub-specialties such as cornea, cataract and retina operations.
He was hopeful about the success of the project due to the carefully thought out checks and balances captured in the MOU that have been agreed upon by the project.
From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi
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