FirstBank Ghana has donated GHS50,000 to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) Innovation Hub, aimed at supporting research and training initiatives that will enhance medical care in Ghana. The cheque was presented by Mrs. Grace Isaac-Aryee, the Bank’s Treasurer, during a ceremony held at the hospital.

In her remarks, Mrs. Isaac-Aryee emphasised FirstBank’s commitment to giving back to society and partnering with KBTH on impactful initiatives.

“We are delighted to collaborate with the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to support cutting-edge medical research that aims to build a collaborative environment for medical professionals, students, and innovators,” she stated.

“Given the need for constant innovation in our rapidly evolving world, the importance of research and development cannot be overstated, as it contributes significantly to sustainable national development.”

The KBTH Innovation Hub, launched last year as part of the hospital’s 100th-anniversary celebrations, is designed to advance medical care through cutting-edge technology, research, and training.

It will feature specialized centers in digital health, telemedicine, simulation training, artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedical engineering, medical research, and gene editing.

The hub aims to enhance the training and skill development of healthcare professionals, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to provide high-quality care.

Mrs. Isaac-Aryee expressed optimism that FirstBank's contribution would inspire other organizations to support the Innovation Hub.

She suggested leveraging social media to showcase the hub’s activities through engaging videos, thereby reaching a wider audience. “Our support of the Innovation Hub Project will be a testament to the strong partnership between FirstBank and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital,” she added.

Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, Acting CEO of KBTH, expressed gratitude for FirstBank’s generous donation. He highlighted the Innovation Hub as a key component of the hospital’s future, emphasizing the need for further investment in training and technology.

“While we have the knowledge and expertise, additional resources are essential to equip our medical professionals with advanced skills, promote research, and enable virtual training programs,” Dr. Owusu-Sekyere stated.

He encouraged other institutions to join in supporting this vital initiative.

FirstBank has a long history of supporting Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, particularly through initiatives focused on children’s health and those battling childhood cancers. The Bank’s Community Support pillar promotes initiatives in health, education, and social welfare, with a particular emphasis on benefiting vulnerable groups, especially children.

Through its Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) activities, FirstBank has supported institutions like Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana and the oncology departments at Korle Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals.

As Korle Bu Teaching Hospital continues to advance its mission of providing exceptional healthcare, FirstBank remains committed to enhancing local quality of life through its support for health initiatives.

The bank believes that investing in medical research and innovation is crucial for building a stronger, more technologically advanced healthcare system in Ghana.

FirstBank Ghana is part of the First Bank Group of Nigeria Limited, which celebrated its 130th anniversary last year. The group operates in the U.K., Nigeria, DRC, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Senegal, and China.