The Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence, a significant project at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), is on track to be fully operational by the end of 2024, according to Ghana's Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu. Providing an update, he stated that the centre's construction is currently at 90% completion, with the focus now on final fittings, electrical work, and equipment installation.
Key Features: The Urology and Nephrology Centre boasts a 110-bed capacity and will address a range of medical services, including urology cases, renal care, kidney treatment, and renal transplants. The centre's dialysis unit, featuring 30 to 40 beds, is poised to accommodate more patients undergoing dialysis.
Benefits for Ghanaians: Minister Agyeman-Manu emphasized the positive impact the centre will have on Ghana's healthcare landscape, supporting the nation's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goal by 2030. Currently, major hospitals across the country, including teaching hospitals in Tamale, Cape Coast, and Komfo Anokye, refer urology and nephrology cases to the KBTH. The establishment of this centre is expected to alleviate the burden on the KBTH and enhance healthcare accessibility for Ghanaians.
The Health Minister highlighted the economic benefits, stating that the centre will reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad, thus conserving foreign exchange. The availability of kidney transplant services will eliminate the necessity for patients to travel abroad for donors, making such critical procedures more accessible domestically.
Beyond clinical services, the Urology and Nephrology Centre is positioned to be a hub for knowledge exchange, serving as a research and learning facility for doctors, medical students, and practitioners.
Background and Purpose: The idea for the centre was conceived following a tragic road traffic accident in 2005, which claimed the lives of three Ghanaian urologists. Professors J. K. M. Quartey, Dr. Isaac Bentsi, and Dr. Benjamin Osei-Wiafe lost their lives while returning from an outreach program in Sunyani. In response, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with KBTH, initiated the construction project to address the shortage of hands and facilities in urology and nephrology.
After overcoming challenges, including transitions in government, the project officially commenced in 2020 when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo laid the foundation stone. As the construction nears completion, the Urology and Nephrology Centre stands as a testament to Ghana's commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services for its citizens.
