The Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), in collaboration with the management of Ho Technical University (HTU), has cut sod for the construction of a 12-unit Executive Ward at the Ho Technical University Clinic, marking a significant step toward expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving service delivery for both the university community and the general public.
The sod-cutting ceremony, held at the clinic premises, attracted key stakeholders, including members of the University’s Governing Council and management, representatives of the Volta Regional Minister, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), health officials, staff of the university, and members of TUTAG.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Medical Superintendent of the HTU Clinic, Dr Redeemer S. Fiebor, noted that the facility, which was initially established to serve students, staff, and their dependents, has over time become a preferred healthcare centre for residents of Ho and surrounding communities.
According to him, the increased patronage has placed enormous strain on the clinic’s limited infrastructure.
“Our current admission capacity stands at about 18 beds, which is clearly inadequate given the growing number of patients we receive daily. In some instances, we are compelled to nurse patients on chairs or refer them to other facilities due to lack of space,” Dr Fiebor explained.
He indicated that the completion of the 12-unit Executive Ward would significantly improve inpatient care by increasing bed capacity and allowing for better segregation of admissions for staff, dependents, and members of the general public.
Dr Fiebor also drew attention to staffing challenges confronting the clinic, explaining that management relies heavily on Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to engage health personnel, a situation he described as financially burdensome. He therefore appealed to the Volta Regional and Ho Municipal Health Directorates to intensify the secondment of health workers to the clinic to improve the staff-to-patient ratio and enhance quality healthcare delivery.
The Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University, Prof. Ben Hoenyenuga, described the project as a reflection of collective ownership and shared responsibility for the growth of the institution. He recalled the modest beginnings of the clinic, which started as a small sickbay with a single public health nurse, and praised management’s strategic interventions that transformed it into a fully functional health facility.
He noted that the clinic played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, saving lives within the university and the wider community.
“If this clinic had not existed before COVID-19, some of us probably would not be here today. It has saved lives and continues to be a vital asset to both the university and the municipality.”
He emphasised that the expansion project was not driven by individual interests but by a shared vision to secure the future of healthcare delivery within the university and Ho Municipality.
“Every one of us here is a potential patient. What we are doing today is for ourselves and for generations yet unborn.”
The Chairman of TUTAG, Dr Stanley Nelvis Glatey, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting the university through a diversified financing model. He explained that, in addition to contributions from TUTAG members, the association is engaging alumni, old students’ associations, development partners, Members of Parliament, and other stakeholders to support the project.
“This clinic serves not only the university community but the entire Ho Municipality, the Volta Region, and even beyond. We therefore appeal to all stakeholders to support this project in cash or in kind. Together, we can deliver a befitting healthcare facility.”
The Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Stephen Adom, commended TUTAG for its foresight and initiative, describing the project as timely and impactful. He noted that the expansion of the HTU Clinic would help reduce pressure on existing healthcare facilities within the municipality while improving access to quality healthcare services.
“It is often said that we should brighten the corner where we are. By supporting this project, TUTAG is not only assisting the university but also uplifting the entire municipality.”
As a demonstration of the Assembly’s support, the MCE pledged 100 bags of cement toward the project and assured the university and TUTAG of continued collaboration on development-oriented initiatives that promote the well-being of residents.
The construction of the 12-unit Executive Ward is expected to significantly enhance inpatient care and reduce congestion at the HTU Clinic. Stakeholders at the ceremony expressed optimism that sustained collaboration and support would ensure the project’s timely completion for the benefit of the university community and the general public.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
