On Friday, October 18, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially commissioned a state-of-the-art Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of healthcare in Ghana. The new facility is designed to offer advanced care for patients with urological and kidney-related conditions, providing treatments that were previously inaccessible within the country.
This cutting-edge Centre is expected to significantly reduce the need for Ghanaians to seek specialized medical attention abroad, while also positioning Ghana as a leader in healthcare within West Africa. With its establishment, the country is set to become a hub for medical tourism, attracting patients from neighboring nations.
Constructed at a cost of €38 million, the Centre was made possible through a financial arrangement with Raiffeisen Bank International AG of Austria, with insurance support from OeKB Group. The facility is equipped with the latest technology and a wide range of services aimed at addressing the growing prevalence of kidney diseases and urological disorders in the country.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Akufo-Addo hailed the Centre as a “considerable milestone” in Ghana’s healthcare journey and a testament to the government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare infrastructure. “This modern facility will provide critical treatments for chronic and acute kidney failure, as well as other urological conditions. It brings us closer to our national goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” the President remarked.
The Urology and Nephrology Centre is fully equipped to offer comprehensive care, including a 30-suite dialysis station for patients with kidney issues, a 70-bed unit for genito-urinary cases, and an outpatient department. Additionally, it features diagnostic and treatment services, inpatient care, administrative offices, and various support services. A research facility is also included, alongside a three-year post-construction maintenance and training program to ensure the Centre’s smooth operation in the coming years.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of the Centre in attracting medical tourists, noting that it could generate revenue to sustain and expand the facility’s services. “This Centre positions Ghana on the map for medical tourism, allowing us to serve patients from across the region and beyond,” he said, underscoring the facility’s potential for economic growth.
The President also reflected on his administration’s broader healthcare agenda, highlighting the progress made under the “Agenda 111” initiative, which aims to construct district hospitals in underserved areas across the country. He cited the successful commissioning of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital in August 2024 and shared updates on other projects expected to be completed by the end of the year, including 11 district hospitals and one polyclinic in regions such as Ashanti, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Ahafo.
Akufo-Addo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving UHC and addressing the uneven distribution of healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas. He urged the Ministry of Health to finalize an incentive package to encourage healthcare professionals to work in regions where they are most needed.
In his closing remarks, the President emphasized the importance of maintaining the new Urology and Nephrology Centre to ensure its long-term effectiveness. He called on the management of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to adopt a proactive maintenance strategy and encouraged community involvement in holding healthcare managers accountable for the proper use of the facility.
“The success of this facility depends not only on its construction but also on its maintenance and proper management. I urge the leadership at Korle-Bu to ensure that this Centre continues to function at the highest level for years to come,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
In expressing his gratitude, the President thanked all those involved in the project, including financiers, contractors, consultants, and healthcare professionals. He also acknowledged the contributions of international partners, such as Vamed Engineering and their Ghanaian consultants, for their outstanding work in delivering the facility.
As Ghana continues to prioritize healthcare development, the inauguration of the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence represents a key achievement in the nation’s push toward providing accessible, high-quality medical care for all. The Centre, along with ongoing healthcare infrastructure projects, demonstrates the government’s long-term commitment to improving healthcare outcomes across the country.
“Our progress in healthcare infrastructure is a proud legacy of this administration,” President Akufo-Addo concluded. “We will continue to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to the quality healthcare they deserve.”
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