Freedom Aid Ghana (FAG), a non-governmental organisation, has commissioned a child wellness centre at the Pantang Hopistal to promote child mental health care.
The early child development project, estimated at GHS 172,000.00, was funded by the Australian High Commission in Ghana. FAG also invested GHC7,600 in the project. The amount was used to renovate an existing facility, which was made friendly and suitable for the treatment of children with mental health challenges.
Mr Gregory Andrews, the Australian High Commissioner, said the gesture was to provide early intervention services for children with mental health issues in line with their “Ghana work project.”
- Sunyani Regional Hospital receives GHC2,000 for NICU
- Health Services Workers in Akatsi South joins nationwide strike
He said the Commission had already inaugurated ten projects in Ghana, including a psychiatric hospital in Accra and that they were also working with people living with disabilities in the Northern part of Ghana to improve livelihoods.
Mr Bright Adoboe, Executive Director, FAG, said the organisation visited the Hospital last year and decided to restructure the child’s clinic centre because the old structure was in deplorable state. He said FAG adopted three rooms and renovated them into six consulting rooms with one reception area and a washroom.
Madam Fidelia Bakobie, Head of Pharmacy, Mental Health Authority, said psychiatric services had always been offered at Pantang hospital but a dedicated unit refurbished for a specific purpose like the child wellness centre could improve the services to young clients.
She said the Centre would deliver health services to the body and mind and a comprehensive review of children’s physical, emotional and developmental wellbeing. Madam Bakobie commended FAG and the Australian High Commission for renovating a part of the Occupational Unit and turning it into a Child Welfare Clinic.
She urged the Hospital to maintain the facility to offer a sound place for the treatment of children with mental health challenges. Mr Julius Hatse, Clinical Coordinator for Pantang Hospital, expressed appreciation to the Australian Government and FAG for the support. He called for support for other deplorable departments of the Hospital to promote health care delivery.
The Ghana News Agency was told that about ten children visit the Hospital daily for treatment.
