GH₵5.8m dialysis centre unveiled at Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital to fight kidney disease mortality

The Sustainable Health Education and Interventions (SHEILD) NGO has partnered with several organizations. These include Enterprise Group PLC, Volta River Authority (VRA), and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). Together, they have established a kidney dialysis center at Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Mampong.

The dialysis center was unveiled on Friday, May 2, 2025. It aims to improve care for end-stage renal failure in the Eastern Region. Over 300,000 people in this area suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many of them have limited treatment options.

The project cost GH₵5.8 million and is led by SHEILD. The center is equipped with four advanced dialysis units. It includes essential equipment like pumps, monitors, and a water purification system.

Enterprise Group PLC sponsored a new outhouse and waiting area for the facility. Chronic kidney disease causes over 4,000 deaths annually in Ghana. There are fewer than 400 dialysis machines available across the country.

These machines are located in only nine of Ghana's sixteen regions. This situation forces patients to travel long distances for treatment. Additionally, treatment costs can be high.

To help vulnerable patients, the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital Dialysis Fund has been launched. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, attended the event as guest of honor. He emphasized that health is a fundamental right for everyone.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh sent a goodwill message before the unveiling. He highlighted the need for sustainable financing to address CKD challenges. He praised SHEILD for their urgent action on this issue.

Honorable Akandoh promised support from the Ministry of Health to ensure efficient operations at the facility. Samuel Awuku, MP for Akuapem North, expressed happiness about the new dialysis center's role in kidney care.

He commended SHEILD NGO and all sponsors who made this project possible. Mr Godfried Nyante, Chairman of SHEILD, noted that key stakeholders helped make this journey successful.

Dr Sylvia Anie from SHEILD received praise from the Speaker for her efforts on this project. She stated that promoting equitable healthcare access should be standard everywhere.

Dr Kofi Ablorh, Medical Superintendent at Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital, said patients will benefit greatly from local services now available. This will reduce travel burdens and financial strain on families seeking treatment.