Each year the health departments of Accra Archdiocese and Koforidua Diocese hold a joint programme to launch the World Day of the sick in a selected health facility. This year, St Martin de Porres Hospital at Agomanya, Odumase- Krobo in the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua was chosen for the joint launching of the 27th World Day of the sick. The theme for the celebration as given by the Pope, was ‘you received without payment, give without payment’’ (Matt. 10:8). This occasion also marked the blessing and commissioning of a newly built Sixty Beds Maternity Complex Unit sponsored by Kindermissionswerk of Germany through the initiative of the Sisters of Handmaid of the Divine Redeemer.
Addressing to a gathering of health workers, chaplains and administrators, drawn from all catholic health facilities within Accra and Koforidua Dioceses and other invited guests, Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, the Bishop of Koforidua said ‘caring for the sick requires professionalism. tenderness, straightforward and simple gestures freely given… that make others feel loved’ as stated in the Pope’s message of 2019 World day for the sick. The Chief-Shepherd of Koforidua also urged health workers to keep information about their clients confidential. The Bishop paid tribute to the Kindermissionswerk for sponsoring the construction of the Mother and Baby Unit of the St Martin’s de Porres Hospital and advised that it should be well maintained.
The Administrator of St Martin de Porres Mr. Owusu-Bempah in his welcome address acknowledged that through the celebrated broadcaster, Mr. Kwame Sefa Kayi, the hospital has acquired two baby incubators. He mentioned that, currently, the Hospital is in dire need of an Ambulance. The Administrator also opined that lack of Ambulance impedes effective delivery health care and hence affects the move toward achieving the target of zero percent mortality rate. Dr Stephen Kusi, the Medical Director of the Hospital, added that the facility hopes to develop a health system that ensures that people stay healthy always.
In a related address by the Guest of Honour for the occasion, Hon. Samuel Ayertey, the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister said a good and quick health care delivery is paramount. To achieve this, he reiterated that a good relationship and right attitude of health workers towards clients is essential. He called on all and sundry to observe good sanitation practices.
As part of the celebration, awards were presented to deserving health workers who excelled in the discharge of their duties.
