For parents, the operationalization of the 120-bed Weija Paediatric Hospital meant to provide specialized care for children will go a long way in improving children’s welfare.
Meanwhile, although the World Bank has withheld a US$3.8 million intended for a component of the medical equipment for the Hospital, the Ministry of Health says it will soon take over the facility.
The 120-bed Weija Paediatric Hospital is expected to significantly enhance child healthcare services once fully operational.
The health facility is currently undergoing snagging and preparations underway for takeover and operation despite the funding challenges with some of the equipment raised by the World Bank, the funding Agent.
Tony Goodman, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health says there are some concerns being addressed before the facility can be operationalized.
‘‘The World Bank did its assessment and then had some issues with the procurement of the equipment and has called for us to look into that further but the contract with the contractor is not cancelled.
That’s between the Minister and Awerco Constructions Ltd. The World Bank is saying the amount used to buy the equipment is too high and we are currently working on that,” he said.
The contractor, Awerco Construction Limited has clarified that its contractual relationship is strictly with the Ministry of Health, and not the World Bank. In a statement, the company said it has not been officially informed of any termination or cancellation affecting the project.
Awerco further stated that the Weija Paediatric Hospital Project is completed, contrary to reports suggesting otherwise. The contractor says that all medical equipment under the contract has been fully supplied and installed, and that the only outstanding issue is payment due from the Ministry of Health.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe Jerry Ahmed Shaib has raised concerns about delays in handing over and operationalizing the facility.
“I was here about four or five weeks ago just to follow up, and my expectation has been that they should have finished and handed over for operationalization for the good people of Weija-Gbawe and beyond to use. If you go in there almost everything is ready and installed inside. What is happening to us? I am worried that we are always using politics to make money go down the drain,” he said.
The Weija Paediatric Hospital, when completed, will provide dedicated paediatric services, including inpatient care, diagnostics, emergency services, and specialist treatment for children.
