The Member of Parliament for the Sissala East Constituency, Mohammed Issah Bataglia, has assured that immediate measures will be taken to address the critical medical equipment challenges facing the Tumu Municipal Hospital.

Speaking to JoyNews in an interview on March 19, the MP revealed that about GH¢80,000 has been raised towards the purchase of a clinical chemistry analyser to help address the difficulties faced by patients.

“As a good citizen and a native of the area, whatever we can do to make things better, we have to do it. I’ve taken this issue very seriously, and I’m engaging others to help procure one. Currently, the price ranges between GH¢100,000 and GH¢500,000, but I’ve been able to raise about GH¢80,000 to get one for now to ease the burden on patients,” he said.

Medical authorities have also raised concerns over the breakdown of the hospital’s only ambulance, which has made it difficult to transport patients. However, the lawmaker says steps are being taken to address the situation.

“I’ve been able to secure a slightly used ambulance, which I will be sending to the hospital. Even before that, I supported the Ghana Ambulance Service with funds to procure an engine for the municipal ambulance to keep it operational and support patient transport,” he noted.

The MP further indicated that although he has supported the hospital over the years with medical equipment, including X-ray machines through the Virtue Foundation, some of the equipment has broken down.

He added that plans are underway to support the facility again with assistance from the foundation and other partners abroad.

His response follows concerns raised by health authorities over the breakdown of critical equipment at the Tumu Municipal Hospital, leaving liver and kidney patients at risk.

The clinical chemistry analyser, a key diagnostic machine, has been out of service for months, forcing patients to travel long distances for tests, a situation that could worsen their conditions. Authorities warn that the challenge may lead to misdiagnosis and undermine public confidence in the healthcare system.

The medical superintendent of the hospital, Joshua Amikiya Ayarigah, says the situation is adversely affecting healthcare delivery, particularly at a time when kidney-related cases are on the rise.