Ghana’s famous insurance outfit, GLICO Insurance on Monday presented five (5) suction machines to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

The Insurance company in the spirit of the upcoming Christmas season also committed an amount of GhC 40, 000.00 towards the release of about 20 patients who are struggling to pay bills they owe at the Accident unit.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Lawyer Andrew Achampong-Kyei, Managing-Director at GLICO General said the gesture was to reduce the pressure on the existing suction machines at the Accident and Emergency Unit due to the high numbers that are brought there.

“Having conducted our sensitization drive in September, we visited KATH and learnt of the challenges they face at the Accident and Emergency center and so today’s donation of suction machines is to reduce the pressure on the existing machines. We are also in the spirit of Christmas paying the bills of patients who have been discharged but are unable to pay their bills”, Lawyer Achampong-Kyei stated.

Deputy Medical Director:

Speaking on behalf of the medical director, Dr Yaw Opare Larbi, Deputy Medical Director at KATH thanked the insurance company for the gesture.

He noted that the Accident and Emergency Unit continues to record high numbers due to the rampant accidents that happen on the roads.

This situation, he stressed brings pressure on medical officers and on the equipment they use to deliver treatment, adding that the presentation by GLICO Insurance was a timely one.

“We are grateful to GLICO Insurance for this gesture and we are sure this would help to reduce the pressure on the suction machines at the Accident unit which continues to suffer breakdowns due to the increasing numbers we’ve had to attend to every day”, the Deputy MD said.

Head of Unit:

Dr Chris Oppong, Head of the KATH Accident and Emergency Unit expressed delight at the opportunity to have more suction machines from GLICO Insurance.

He noted that the department have had to deal with increasing emergency cases with the not so many suction machines they have at their disposal.

Dr Oppong said many cases that are reported at the unit require the use of suction machines which helps in sucking blood blocking the air ways of patients.

“Most patients who are brought here are treated with the suction machine and to have this donation from GLICO is a welcome one. We are also grateful that about 20 persons we’ve treated can go home today to enjoy the upcoming Christmas due to the payment of their bills by this famous insurance company that cushion people for life”, Dr Oppong stated.

Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.