By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Background
The Rotary Club of Tema has handed over a newly renovated Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound to the Tema New Town Health Centre.
The handing-over marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure in Ghana.
Above all, the CHPS compound, which underwent extensive renovations was funded by the Rotary Club of Tema and Fruit & Export Terminal GH Ltd.
The Project Highlights
The renovation project included refurbishing the existing structure, painting the walls and ceiling works, and replacing washrooms to ensure a conducive environment for both patients and healthcare providers.
Point of View by the Rotary Club of Tema
The President of the Rotary Club of Tema, Rotarian Francis Gariba Apam expressed the club’s commitment to supporting health initiatives that directly impact the well-being of the community.
“Sometime last year, the Rotary Club of Tema sought to provide water to the Oninku CHPS compound at Tema New Town. The idea was shared with the Fruit & Export Terminal GH Ltd (FET), a Stevedore Company operating at the Port of Tema who expressed interest in executing the project by Partnering with the Rotary Club of Tema. This was in line with the FET’s corporate social responsibility.” Rotarian Francis Gariba Apam remarked
The Appreciation
Additionally, Rotarian Francis Gariba lauded the partners of the project.
“I must say that without the assistance received from FET in the sum of GHC 100,000, this project would not have been possible. We are very grateful to the board and management of FET for the immense contributions they have made to ensure that this CHPS Compound is brought back to life.
Rotarian Francis Gariba said the Rotary Club of Tema also contributed an estimated amount of GHC 30,000 in cash and logistics to the project. He thanked the Board and Management of FET for investing in the welfare of the people within their community and Rotarians who also committed their time and resources towards making this project a success.
The Advice
The President of the Rotary Club of Tema, Rotarian Francis Gariba called on the community and Metro Health Directorate to take steps to maintain the facility so it can live up to its mandate of providing basic healthcare to the people of Tema New Town.
Fruit & Export Terminal Speaks on Collaboration
The Board chair of Fruit & Export Terminal GH Ltd Mr. Samuel Kumi said his outfit is committed to contributing to the well-being of the communities they operate hence the decision to partner with the Rotary Club of Tema for the renovation.
“ We believe that health is a fundamental pillar of a thriving society and we are committed to lending a hand to ensure that everyone has access to quality health service. We believe that the health of the community is vital to its prosperity and well-being. By renovating this health facility, we aim to contribute to enhancing the quality of life, increase productivity, and drive sustainable growth in the community” Mr. Samuel Kumi stated
Tema Metro Health Directorate speaks on appreciation
Receiving the facility, the Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Tema Metro Health Directorate, Mrs. Monica Owusu Afoakwah lauded the Rotary Club’s efforts and emphasized the importance of such contributions in enhancing public health.
“Lack of health facilities in this community makes it difficult to treat patients. The majority of our cases are referred to Tema General Hospital, it is therefore heartwarming for our partners to come to our aid to refurnish this Oninku Health Centre. It will go a long way to improve health in this community.
The Project Benefit
The upgraded CHPS compound is expected to handle a larger volume of patients more efficiently and provide a higher standard of care.
Equally, the Rotary Club of Tema’s initiative aligns with its broader mission of community service and development. Over the years, the club has been involved in various projects aimed at improving education and healthcare in Tema and its environs.
Conclusion
All in all, the renovated CHPS compound will now be better equipped to serve the healthcare needs of Tema New Town. Also, it will help ensure that residents have access to essential medical services close to their homes.