Interior Minister commissions Ayigya Polyclinic, links healthcare to national security

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has commissioned a newly constructed polyclinic in Ayigya, within the Oforikrom Municipality of the Ashanti Region, and has described improved access to healthcare as an important component of national security.

The facility, secured through the support of Qatar Charity Ghana, is expected to provide essential healthcare services to residents of Ayigya, Kotei, Bomso and surrounding communities, while helping to reduce pressure on major hospitals in Kumasi.

Speaking at the commissioning on Thursday, Mr Muntaka said the project was the realisation of a vision to address a critical healthcare need in the area.

He said the facility would provide timely emergency care, child welfare services, including vaccination, as well as the management of minor and major ailments.

“This is what development means, solving the everyday problems of the people,” he stated.

Mr Muntaka explained that although Ayigya fell outside his constituency, he readily supported efforts by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Oforikrom to secure the facility because development should not be constrained by constituency boundaries.

He said the initiative demonstrated the importance of collaboration among political and local authorities in addressing the needs of communities.

“The success of Ayigya is the success of Asawase and the success of Asanteman is the success of Ghana,” he added.

The Interior Minister expressed appreciation to Qatar Charity Ghana for its support, describing the organisation as a true friend of Ghana for responding positively to the initiative and delivering the facility to a high standard.

“You have been more than a partner; you have been a true friend to Ghana. When you were approached with this initiative, you did not hesitate. You listened, you committed, and you have delivered this magnificent edifice to the highest standard,” he said.

Mr Muntaka stressed that government alone could not meet all the development needs of the country, saying continued collaboration with non-governmental organisations, development partners and philanthropic institutions was essential to extending social services to communities.

He said such partnerships were consistent with the President's vision to reset the country and ensure that no community was left behind in Ghana’s development.

The Interior Minister said healthcare and security were closely connected, stressing that a healthy population contributed to a peaceful and secure society.

He explained that reducing the vulnerability of citizens through improved access to healthcare could contribute to strengthening internal security.

He therefore charged health professionals posted to the facility to manage it with professionalism, dedication and compassion to ensure that residents derived the full benefit of the investment.

Mr Muntaka also appealed to traditional leaders and residents of Ayigya to take ownership of the facility, protect the infrastructure and support health workers in the discharge of their duties.

The polyclinic is equipped with a Children's Ward, Male Ward, Female Ward, Delivery Room, Maternity Ward, Vaccination Room, Pharmacy and Quarantine Room.

It also has an Administration Block, Stores, Laboratory, Medical Examination Rooms and a Records Room, providing a range of services intended to improve access to healthcare for residents in the beneficiary communities.