The Minister of Health, Dr. George Sipa-Adjah Yankey, on Friday gave the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital authorities one month to replace the dysfunctional elevator at the Maternity Block. "This is too serious and risky," he said after seeing the problem for himself during an unannounced visit to the nation's premier hospital. The elevator, which is over 18 years old, three years more than its 15-year lifespan, broke down in February, leaving expectant mothers, some in labour, as well as doctors and nurses with no options than to climb the stairs even in emergencies, to the six floors. Some had to be carried up the stairs. According to the nurses, the elevator had been experiencing frequent break downs over the last three years but gave up finally in February. During the Minister's visit, some pregnant women in labour were seen being carried up the staircase to the Labour Ward, while others were resting after climbing. Professor Yao Enyonam Kwawukume, Head of the Maternity Department, told the Minister, who was accompanied by the National Security Advisor to the President, Brigadier-General Joseph Nunoo Mensah, that the problem of the elevator had been brought to the attention of the hospital management, but nothing had been done about it. But Mr. Chris Nartey, Director of Administration, blamed the problem on financial constraints, a reason rejected by the Minister who suggested the use of internally generated funds to fix it. "I won't accept this explanation," he said, adding that pregnant women climbing the stairs could lead to complications and maternal mortality. He asked management to draw the attention of the Ministry when it ran into such problems in addressing the problem for government to know how it could support. There are 13 other outmoded elevators in the various blocks of the hospital, and according to Mr. Nartey, it would cost about GH¢3million to have all of them replaced. Dr. Yankey also assessed conditions at the Emergency Ward, and interacted with nurses on duty. He had earlier visited the Ridge Hospital to acquaint himself with the water situation hindering effective operation of the hospital, which is the largest referral centre for Accra. Briefing the team, Dr George Acquaye, Hospital Superintendent, said it would require GH¢6, OOO to build a water reservoir and replace old pipelines to enhance water flow. Brigadier- General Nunoo-Mensah promised the hospital GH¢4, OOO towards the provision of' the reservoir. Source: The Ghanaian Times