Ashaiman Chief condemns oxygen shortage at Tema General Hospital, pledges support to community 22 Polyclinic

The Chief of Ashaiman, Nii Annang Adzor, has raised concerns over the recent shortage of oxygen at Tema General Hospital, which tragically resulted in the death of the wife of his elder brother.

The incident, which occurred a couple of weeks ago, was a disturbing subject during the 5th Anniversary Celebration of the Community 22 Polyclinic (CPC) in Ashaiman.

Professionalism
Speaking in his capacity as the Chairman today for the 5th Anniversary of the CPC on the theme "Continuing Our 5-Year Journey of Excellent Healthcare Delivery through Innovation, Professionalism, and Community Involvement," Nii Adzor expressed profound grief over the loss, attributing it to the negligence of a nurse on duty at the Tema General Hospital at the time.

He emphasised that such lapses in the healthcare system are unacceptable and called for immediate measures to prevent future occurrences.

"This unfortunate event has brought immense sorrow to our family, and there is a need for us as a society to look at the critical need for efficient healthcare services. Many innocent lives have been lost as a result of a nurse's negligence at work. Where do we crack the whip?" he quizzed.

Lack of oxygen
He indicated again that the lack of oxygen supply at a crucial moment is a glaring example of the systemic issues that need to be addressed urgently.

The Chief commended the Community 22 Polyclinic for its consistent delivery of quality healthcare services since its establishment. He praised the clinic’s management and staff for their dedication and proactive approach to handling medical emergencies, which has significantly benefited the residents of Ashaiman and beyond, to the point that the facility has not recorded any deaths.

Commendation
"CPC has been a source of hope and a model for excellent healthcare delivery in our community. Their commitment to patient care and readiness to handle emergencies are commendable. Besides, since its inception, they haven't recorded any deaths," he said.

Nii Annang Adzor also touched on the importance of proactivity among healthcare professionals. He urged nurses and other medical staff to remain vigilant and responsive to the needs of patients, emphasising that their roles are crucial in saving lives and maintaining public trust in healthcare institutions.

Support
In a gesture of support, the chief pledged to donate GHC10,000 towards the completion of the clinic's maternal ward. This contribution, he hopes, will enhance the clinic’s capacity to provide comprehensive maternal and child healthcare services.

Nii Adzor called on the Regional Health Director to partner with his firm in providing accommodation for health practitioners. He noted that adequate housing is essential for attracting and retaining skilled healthcare workers, which, in turn, ensures the sustainability of high-quality healthcare services in the region.

"The wellbeing of our healthcare workers is paramount. By providing them with suitable accommodation, we can help create a conducive environment for them to perform their duties effectively," he added.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Polyclinic equally thanked the Ashaiman chief for his support and exceptional leadership qualities.