St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital (SMSH) on Thursday, Feb. 5, unveiled a new Dialysis and Eye Clinic Unit, marking a significant step in expanding access to life-saving renal and specialist eye care services in Ghana and reinforcing the growing role of public-private partnerships in national health delivery.
The launch, held at the hospital’s premises in Accra, brought together government officials, traditional authorities, health professionals, development partners and private sector representatives. Speakers described the facility as both a critical response to rising non-communicable diseases and a practical demonstration of Ghana’s commitment to universal health coverage.
A keynote address delivered by Dr. Ernest Konadu Asiedu, director of dental
programs at the Ministry of Health on behalf of the Chief Director, underscored the urgency of the intervention. Chronic kidney disease and vision impairment, he noted, continue to pose an alarming public health burden, with thousands of Ghanaians requiring dialysis each year amid limited access that often leads to preventable deaths. Untreated eye conditions, he added, also contribute to avoidable productivity losses and diminished quality of life.
“This is more than the commissioning of a facility,” the address said. “It is a powerful testament to our collective resolve, where innovative public-private partnerships propel us toward universal health coverage and equitable, quality health care for every Ghanaian, regardless of geography or economic
status.”
Dr. Asiedu highlighted government efforts to make health a cornerstone of national development, citing the inclusion of dialysis treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme benefit package. He said the new unit at St. Michael’s directly advances these commitments by providing advanced dialysis care for patients with renal failure alongside specialist eye services aimed at preventing avoidable blindness.
He stressed, however, that government cannot achieve universal health coverage in isolation. Private sector investment, he said, remains a key driver of innovation, capacity expansion and efficiency in the health system. Facilities such as St. Michael’s help decongest
overburdened public hospitals, reduce waiting times and extend insured services to peri-urban and rural populations.
To encourage such investments, government continues to offer incentives including streamlined accreditation, tax rebates for health infrastructure, risk protection mechanisms and timely NHIS reimbursements.
Speaking at the event, Okaikwei North Municipal Chief Executive Christian Tetteh Badger described the launch as a milestone for the municipality and a boost to local health delivery. He said the Municipal Assembly remains committed to aligning its health initiatives with national policies while
prioritizing equitable access, preventive care and support for vulnerable groups.
Badger also referenced the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, popularly known as “Mahama Cares,” which supports treatment for chronic non-communicable diseases such as kidney and liver conditions. The initiative, he said, reflects government’s belief in sustained investment as the foundation of effective health care.
“The launch of this unit is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new era in health care delivery in our municipality,” Badger said, pledging continued collaboration with private providers, non-governmental organizations and development partners.
Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, a board member of St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital and chairman of the occasion, emphasized the life-saving importance of dialysis services. He said the new machines would significantly improve access to timely treatment, ease the burden on patients and families, and enhance the hospital’s capacity to serve a wider community.
He commended the hospital’s board and management for their foresight and reaffirmed a commitment to strong governance, continuous investment and adherence to best clinical practices.
“As these units open their doors,” he said, “may they bring healing, hope and renewed confidence to all who seek care here.”
By Kingsley Asiedu
