FIRST LADY COMMISSIONS ULTRA MODERN HEALTH TRAINING FACILITY AT WISCONSIN UNIVERSITY

The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo of the Rebecca Foundation has commissioned state-of-the-Art Nursing Simulators and other equipments at Wisconsin University College in Accra to strengthen efforts towards modernising healthcare training in the country.

The items, estimated in excess of $200,000 was procured by the school to better equip students on evolving trends in the care giving profession and enhance efficiency in patient-care giver relationship.

Speaking at the Commissioning ceremony, the First Lady expressed gratitude to be part of the event which as is widely known, is in line with her passion of promoting good healthcare delivery for Ghanaians, especially women and children.

According to her, the Akufo-Addo government is committed to ensuring that, access to quality affordable and available healthcare is an unalienable right that every Ghanaian must enjoy.

She noted that, “this vision is achievable, not only through expanding, equipping and increasing the number of health facilities, but also through capacity building and increasing the number of health professionals, particularly at the primary level of healthcare.”

“A well-trained workforce – such as what this institution and others seek to produce, is fundamental to provision of quality healthcare.” She said.

Mrs. Akufo-Addo commended the Chancellor and Management of the University for the giant strides made in providing exceptional nursing and midwifery training facilities with the hope that some of the graduates will be working in the facilities built by the Rebecca Foundation.

Whilst applauding the university authorities on the introduction of the health entrepreneurship training module, she enjoined students to take full advantage of the vast and limitless opportunities it offers in Africa, where health challenges remain a key focus for governments.

On the need for the requisite exhibition of high ethical behavior among healthcare givers, the First Lady said “the profession goes beyond possessing outstanding skills and exposure. When people are placed in your care for treatment, they are at their most vulnerable. All the practical skills in the world cannot take the place of the right attitude and a genuine interest in the welfare of your patient”.

“I therefore appeal to students, that even as you enhance your knowledge and skills, you should also work on cultivating the right disposition and the correct work ethics now.” She added.

The Rebbecca Foundation after a little over a year in operation, has constructed a mother and baby and paediatric intensive care units at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, carried out medical outreaches and partnered with other charities to provide urgent surgeries to vulnerable Ghanaians.

The Foundation is would soon cut sod for the construction of a Children Emergency Unit and contributing to building a hostel for parents of children on cancer treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.