Dr. Emmanuel Nsobila Akatibo, a Physician Specialist at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, is leading a campaign to establish a dialysis center in the region. According to Dr. Akatibo, their goal is to open the center by the end of 2023.
In an interview with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen on October 26, 2023, Dr. Akatibo discussed the progress of the dialysis project. He mentioned that four individuals have undergone training in Koforidua, and one doctor is currently undergoing training in Korlu-bu. The doctor’s training will conclude in November, while the nurses will complete their one-month training program in November as well.
“The Sankofa Foundation, an NGO, had originally planned to donate three machines to us. Negotiations began some time ago and the machines were delivered. However, complications arose regarding taxes on the machines. When the machines were eventually cleared, the Sankofa Foundation changed their stance and were no longer willing to donate them as previously proposed. This news came as a surprise to me as I had already informed the media that these machines would be provided to us free of charge. It was only later that my administrator informed me that we would actually have to pay for them. Unfortunately, by that time, the news had already spread”.
According to Dr. Akatibo, upon follow-up, it was discovered that the Sankofa wasn’t allowed to clear the goods tax-free. However, they still had to pay for taxes and other expenses. Consequently, the hospital had to use the funds received for purchasing two machines, prior to the emergence of the Sankofa issue.
Additionally, he revealed that the individual entrusted with ordering the machines threatened legal action since a commitment had already been made. Realizing that Sankofa would not provide the machines for free and considering the supplier’s threats, the decision was made to proceed with the purchase of the ordered machines. If there were any funds remaining, they could then be used to acquire the Sankofa machines. At present, we have three machines: two purchased with donated funds and one donated by the Asaase Foundation”. Dr. Akatibo stressed
“The center has a few remaining minor tasks to complete before we can proceed with purchasing the necessary consumables for processing. The engineer who advocated for the Asaase Foundation to provide us with the machine will also be responsible for its installation”.
“This is a highly technical process, as it involves setting up the equipment and training individuals to operate it effectively. I am personally waiting for the training sessions to be conducted so that I can participate, and I will also be attending training sessions in Korlu-bu”. He told Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana
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