The Head of the Orthopaedic Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr Michael Lit, has raised concerns over the rising number of orthopaedic patients, attributing the surge to the increasing rate of road accidents.

According to him, the ward is witnessing a significant influx of patients, with the majority being young people, particularly commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as ‘Pragia’ riders.

He disclosed this in an interview with Adom News during a donation exercise by the Assembly Member for Manso Takorase, Dominic Bonsu, who presented medical equipment to the unit to enhance quality healthcare delivery.

Dr Lit urged drivers and ‘Pragia’ riders to strictly adhere to road traffic regulations to help reduce the alarming trend.

“If you visit the Orthopaedic Ward at Komfo Anokye, you will realise that the wards are becoming overcrowded because many young people engage in reckless driving, which often results in road crashes,” he lamented.

He further noted that one of the major challenges confronting the unit is inadequate space to accommodate patients, especially those suffering from fractures.

“Our biggest challenge has to do with space. We need more room to properly manage patients with fractures, but currently, we are forced to manage with the limited space available,” he added.

Speaking on his motivation for the donation, the Manso Takorase Assembly Member, Dominic Bonsu, emphasised that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of national development, and therefore called on individuals and philanthropists to support health facilities.

“I donated items including a standing BP apparatus, dressing trolley, wheelchairs, bed frames, and a vital signs monitor to improve healthcare delivery at the facility. In addition, I paid GH¢12,000 to secure the discharge of a patient who had remained on admission due to financial constraints,” he stated.

Mr Bonsu further revealed plans to make a major donation to the hospital in the near future to further support quality healthcare delivery.

“We do not know when or how any of us may become patients here one day, so it is important that we all contribute our quota to support the hospital,” he said.