With just two dialysis machines, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) is often compelled to refer kidney patients in need of dialysis to private hospitals.

Chief Executive of the Hospital, Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, says the crisis facing the 70-year-old hospital has taken a toll on the effective delivery of services to such patients.

He says as part of the Heal Komfo Anokye Initiative launched by the Asantehene, the hospital will need external help to purchase enough dialysis machines to cater for patients.

The past weeks have witnessed a public outcry over the increase in the cost of dialysis, the regular medical treatment for persons with kidney failure in Ghana.

Some public hospitals, including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital lack enough dialysis machines to help treat kidney patients.

Chief Executive of the Hospital, Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah said this while receiving a donation of 200,000 cedis from the NPP National Secretary and Organizer as part of the Heal Komfo Anokye initiative.

“This dialysis situation at Korla Bu is not different from what we have here but we have only not had the chance to increase our charges. With just two dialysis machines, a hospital serving about 12 to 16 regions had to refer patients to private hospitals for dialysis treatment,” he said.

While describing the situation as worrying, Professor Addai-Mensah said the government, corporate institutions, and individuals must contribute to help the hospital purchase enough dialysis machines.

“We can't only rely on government that is why we want corporate institutions and individuals to come and support us to purchase all the needed equipment to get our hospital running,” he added.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong Kodua has called on the public to also support the call to renovate the hospital.

He says support for the initiative must be based on patriotism.

“At this point, we don't have to be doing politics when it comes to this project launched by Otumfou. We must all contribute. As individuals, we are contributing and as a party, we shall also contribute,” he said.