In a move to strengthen healthcare infrastructure within the Ayawaso West Municipality, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Dr. Michael Mensah, has presented a substantial consignment of medical equipment and office furniture to the Mempeasem Polyclinic.
This donation follows the official commissioning of the facility last year and is part of a phased strategy to fully equip the polyclinic to meet the growing health needs of the community.
Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Mensah clarified that while the assembly initially provided equipment during the clinic’s commissioning, the current donation was necessary to fill existing gaps. Notably, the MCE confirmed that the procurement was funded through the Assembly’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF), demonstrating the municipality’s fiscal commitment to local development.
The consignment included essential medical and administrative items such as an examination bed, thirty hospital bedsheets, and two dispensing chairs. To support the clinic’s administrative efficiency, the MCE also handed over a 4-in-1 workstation, four swivel chairs, four standard desks, two desktop computers, and a printer.
Additionally, the Assembly provided fire extinguishers to ensure the safety of both patients and staff, and allocated specific funds to facilitate the official registration and licensing of the facility. Dr. Mensah further hinted at future support, stating that another set of equipment is scheduled for delivery later in the year.
Recognizing the geographical challenges of the clinic’s location, Dr. Mensah addressed concerns regarding patient accessibility. He revealed that the Assembly is considering providing the facility with an official vehicle to ease mobility challenges for patients and staff alike.
The MCE further highlighted that these health interventions extend beyond Mempeasem, noting that the Assembly is currently completing a CHPS compound at the Santana Electoral Area.
He explained that equipment has already been purchased for that facility and commissioning is expected soon. According to Dr. Mensah, the Assembly is also focusing on improving sanitation by providing toilet facilities in various areas to boost overall public health within the municipality.
A Call for Stakeholder Support and Sustainability
The Municipal Director of Health for Ayawaso West, Dr. Akua Addy, expressed gratitude for the donation but reminded the public that a significant equipment gap remains. She emphasized that as one of only three public health facilities in a municipality dominated by private healthcare, Mempeasem Polyclinic provides a vital, affordable option for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) subscribers.
“The gaps are huge. For us, even if more items come next week or next month, we’ll be very grateful. That’s the urgency of our situation,” Dr. Addy remarked. Addressing concerns regarding maintenance culture, Dr. Adi assured the Assembly and the public that management would implement strict measures to ensure the longevity of the new equipment.
She concluded with a plea to other corporate stakeholders to join the Assembly in supporting the facility to ensure the delivery of quality, sustainable healthcare for the community.
Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
