Maritime Authority Rescues 12 Patients In Medical Detention

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), has paid the medical bills of twelve patients detained at the Volta Regional Hospital in Ho for non-payment of medical services.

The number included a young patient who was racing against time for surgery to remove a brain tumour, a teenage mother, and two dead bodies held at the hospital's morgue.

Mr. Kwame Owusu, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority who presented a cheque for GH¢ 39,681 to management of the Hospital said the Authority was moved by a news item on the situation of the patients.

He said as a corporate institution, the Authority felt the need to save the situation, and they conferred with the management body, which supported the initiative.

Mr. Richard Kwagbenu, Head of Finance at the Hospital, who received the cheque expressed gratitude to the GMA and said health delivery required stakeholder support, particularly for the uninsured.

Madam Hannah Anku, a Medical Social Worker said most of such patients were uninsured, and that enrollment unto the National Health Insurance Scheme formed part of the interventions of the Department of Social Welfare.

Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, said the region was grateful to the GMA for the support, and encouraged all to sign up for the National Health Insurance Scheme to access basic medical care.

Abigail, the teenage mother could not hold back her tears as she thanked GMA for securing her discharge.