The Battor Catholic Hospital in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region can now boast of an Infectious Disease Isolation Centre (IDIC).
The facility which has come to be known as the Covid-19 Treatment Centre from its own Internally Generated Fund (IGF) with support from the North Tongu District Assembly (NTDA).
The coronavirus pandemic coupled with its associated safety protocols and management measures compelled the Management of the facility to kick-start the project under emergency circumstances in April, at the cost of ¢54,547.30.
The hospital advanced ¢45,000.00 towards the IDIC project and the Assembly also made available ¢10,547.30
Since the inception of the Centre during the Covid-19 era, the hospital has so far screened and tested almost 200 persons out of which four tested positive for the Coronavirus disease.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Bernard Hayford Atuguba told Joy news in an interview that all the four Covid-19 patients have been housed and fully managed at the Treatment Centre, adding that all such clients have recovered and been discharged to join their relations at home.
On the issue inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for the staff, Dr. Atuguba noted that the challenge was a national one, adding that there has however been an improvement in the supply of PPEs in recent times.
The Medical Director disclosed that anytime there is a Covid-19 patient on admission at the treatment centre, the hospital or staff for that matter use about 12 complete PPEs on daily basis, explaining that the management of Covid-19 is quite expensive in view of the dreadful nature of the virus.
District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Richard Collins Arku told Joy News that the Assembly gave the needed support to the hospital as part of its complementary role in fighting the pandemic.
According to Mr Arku the successful treatment and discharge of the four Covid-19 patients at the IDIC attests to the hard work of the staff at the hospital and the fact that the novel Coronavirus pandemic is real.
Mr Arku who is also the Chairman of the District Public Health Emergency Management Committee (DPHEMC) said the decision to put up the facility at the hospital has been useful, adding that it has prevented the situation where such Covid-19 cases would have been sent out of the district to other treatment centers.
The Assembly has also donated a number of medical items and equipment for use at the Centre.