KATH takes delivery of parts to fix radiotherapy machine, calls for retooling of hospital intensify

The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital has received parts for its radiotherapy machine.

This machine is crucial for treating cancer patients. It has been out of order for nearly five weeks.

As a result, many cancer patients could not receive their treatments.

Sources from Joy News say technicians are now working on the repairs. They aim to get the machine operational soon.

Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, the hospital's CEO, is supervising the work in the radiotherapy unit.

Calls for better equipment have increased after this breakdown. The Oncology Department has two radiotherapy machines available for patients.

One of these machines is outdated and no longer has available parts.

The radiotherapy unit is the only one in northern Ghana. It serves patients from about twelve regions.

Annually, between 16,000 and 20,000 patients visit the Oncology Unit. About sixty percent of these patients will need radiotherapy during treatment.

Dr. Bawuah Osei Bonsu, head of the department, stated that another machine is necessary. This would allow patient transfers if one machine fails again.

In June last year, doctors at the unit went on strike due to another malfunctioning system used for radiotherapy services.

Hospital managers discussed these issues with a parliamentary health committee during their visit.