The Medical Director of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Western Region, Dr. Joseph Tambil has refuted claims that the hospital lacks defibrillators and ventilators.

In an earlier report as part of JoyNews' 'Sick Hospital' series, Dr. Tambil had stated that the hospital only had one defibrillator, which was not functioning properly.

He explained that this posed a challenge when multiple patients required the device.

But in a subsequent interview on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, he clarified that the facility had taken delivery of some of the equipment.

Dr. Tambil clarified that a defibrillator had been delivered to the hospital after the initial interview, but he had not communicated this information to the reporter.

He expressed concern that the misinformation circulating in the media could prevent people from seeking care at the hospital.

“They will not come to Effia-Nkwanta because they think we do not have what it takes to take care of them. This person may not have anything near a cardiac condition. In our effort to bring out the problem, we should also be circumspect that we do not damage the facility in our quest to provide information to the public,” he said on Wednesday, January 31.

He stated that negative information about hospitals can not only prevent people from seeking care, but can also lead them to seek alternative treatments in prayer camps or depend on herbalists that may not be effective.

In response to the claims about the lack of certain equipment, Dr. Tambil has invited reporters to visit the hospital to confirm that it has all the necessary facilities and resources.

Background

Finding a working defibrillator at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Western Region is akin to the 9th wonder of the world.

It is a device that applies an electric charge or current to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.

Health workers are distressed and are crying out for a working defibrillator, insisting it is becoming difficult to save patients who are in cardiac arrest.