Parliament has unanimously approved the €138,500,000 EPC/Turnkey agreement between the government and the Contracta Construction UK Limited for the completion and equipping of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Maternity and Children’s Block.
Presenting the report of the contract agreement at the Plenary, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Dr. Kwabena Twum-Nuamah, stated that the project is to establish an international standard maternal and child health centre providing the most conducive environment, state-of-the-art techniques and specialists, to facilitate a natural and gentle experience of pregnancy and health.
The chairman who doubles as Member of Parliament for Berekum East added that another objective of the project is to strengthen people-centred health systems and public health capacity, including preparedness and response capacity for dealing with emergencies.
Committee’s observation on value for money audit
On the issue of value for money audit, the Committee was informed that it is a condition precedent to the execution of the project, and had already begun.
The Committee was assured that copies of the report on the value for money audit will be made available to the House when the audit is completed.
The Committee informed the Ministry of Finance to expedite action on the value for money audit and subsequently make it available to the Committee.
Training health personnel to man equipment
The Committee noted that as part of the contract, there is a three-year agreement with the contractor, to maintain all the equipment to be installed in the facility.
The Committee was again informed that provision has been made to train all categories of staff before they start work in the facility.
The Health Minister disclosed to the Committee that the Ministry of Health had drafted a policy on hospital equipment and was in the process of finalising it.
The Minister told the Committee that when the policy is approved, it will help to deal with all the concerns regarding hospital equipment including procurement and maintenance.
Source: GhanaJustice/S.Ayisi
