Three persons have died from Covid-19 complications in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality in the Western Region in the past two weeks.
According to the Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Caroline Otoo, four persons are also currently on admission due to Covid-19 complications.
“Cumulatively, we have recorded 16 deaths. Out of the 16 we recorded 9 deaths this year. We recorded 6 in the second wave. We have recorded 3 in the first two weeks of August.”
She mentioned that the current Covid-19 outlook in the municipality is worrying.
“We noticed that we were experiencing the third wave in the month of July. In July, we recorded 92 cases as against 38 in the previous month. We in the middle of August and already we have recorded over 100 cases with 3 deaths and 4 on admission. So, it means we have to double our efforts. So, these items will help a lot.”
Caroline Otoo stated that due to the current situation “we will be introducing stern enforcement measures with respect to the observance of safety protocols”.
The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service gave the worrying statistics on Covid-19 after mining company AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine handed over a 20-bed capacity Isolation Center and several medical essentials valued at GH¢1.5 million to her health directorate.
The Isolation Center, which was refurbished at a cost of GH¢300,000, is fitted with modern equipment that will help with prompt response to the needs of patients.
It covers the provision of washrooms, improvement in ventilation within the block to prevent cross infection and expansion of rooms for the comfort of patients and health workers.
The essential medical items and other equipment, procured at a cost of GH¢700,000 include 100 hospital beds with mattress, patient monitors, 80 drip stands, 30 infra-red thermometers, 30 blood pressure monitors and 10 pulse odometers as well as 20 air conditioners and 30 fridges.
Caroline Otoo explained that before the new Isolation Center, available spaces for treating critical Covid-19 cases were only 10.
“Now, we have 20 more. And so, I believe we can effectively manage the severe cases. But it our hope that we all observe the protocols religiously so that we don’t get cases that will overstretch us.”
Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine Samuel Boakye Pobee stated that the decision to support efforts to get an enhanced Isolation Center is borne out of the desire to ensure that the municipality has adequate spaces to treat critical cases.
“…lots of efforts have gone into preventing the spread of the disease in the municipality through enhanced surveillance activities including identification of victims, testing, contact tracing and vaccination. However, a major setback is our preparedness capability had been the aspect of adequate provision for isolation and treatment of confirmed COVID 19 cases…”
He said that “it is therefore heart warming that we are here to hand over this refurbished 20 bed fully resourced facility for use as isolation center”.
Mr. Boakye Pobee mentioned that in line with the company’s emergency response plan, there has been several interventions including donations of PPEs to high-risk areas even before the support for an Isolation Center.
“We have embarked on rigorous sensitization campaigns both on site and across our host communities. We have donated hand washing facilities and assorted items to hospitals, lorry stations, major markets and schools.”
He noted that the current situation in the municipality will require a renewed commitment from both corporate institutions and the general public.
“…to support and enhance the COVID 19 testing capacity of the municipality, Iduapriem Mine has further spent GH¢500,000 to provide cartridges, swabs sticks, PPEs, toiletries, cleaning materials and sanitizers as well as essential medications including hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, Anticoagulants, antibiotics and immune boosters for Covid-19 cases”.
The Managing Director announced that arrangements are being made to refurbish the municipal laboratory as part of supporting it conduct Covid-19 tests.
Municipal Chief Executive Benjamin Kessie made a fervent plea for residents to observe all safety protocols on Covid-19.
By Eric Yaw Adjei|Connect FM|3news.com|Ghana
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