Despite Gives 37 Military Hospital New Children’s Block

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Despite Group of Companies, Dr Osei Kwame Despite has once again swung his wand of love—blessing on the 37 Military Hospital with an ultra-modern health facility which would cater for the oncological and physiotherapy needs of children.

Officially handing over the edifice to the management of the hospital, the business mogul said he took this step because, “children represent the future and ensuring their healthy growth and development ought to be a prime concern for all societies.”

Speaking on behalf of Dr Osei Kwame, award winning journalist—Mr Kwame Sefa-Kayi, said the CEO was inspired to commit to this cause, after he realised that the hospital had a challenge with the children’s ward.

With the help and counsel of his friend, Captain John Kwesi Nyamekye, plans for the edifice began two years ago.

Dr Osei Kwame and his group are confident that this facility would rightly improve the quality of service and infrastructure of child in-patient and staff, now and in the years to come.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony held last Friday, the Chief of Naval staff, Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo said, the completion of the project could not have come at a better time.

According to him, the Osei Kwame Despite Children’s Ward of the 37-Military hospital would bring great relief especially at a time where “child health has remained a major challenge to many hospitals across the country.”

“I therefore take this opportunity to congratulate and commend the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Despite Group of companies for a job well executed and thank you for the kind gesture,” he said.

For the new ward to continually remain beneficial to the health fraternity, Rear Admiral Faidoo who was also the Guest of Honour promised that, the staff and management would take proper care of the building.

Cancer in Children

The diagnosis of cancer in a child who was ordinarily healthy, active and fun-loving can be a gut-wrenching blow to parents and other family members.

According to the Commandant of the 37 Military Hospital, Brigadier General Michael Akwasi Yeboah Agyapong, although there is limited data on cancer cases in Ghana, cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of deaths among children.

In reference to a report issued by the National Cancer Control Steering Committee, Brig. Gen. Agyapong said, there is a huge burden of cancer in the country which shows that cancer cases keep increasing.

Brig. Gen. Agyapong said, “Analysis of autopsy reports for the past 10 years by the pathology department of the Korlebu teaching hospital show that the leading cancer deaths in children are cancers of the blood system followed by brain, kidney, eyes and bone tumours.”

“…cancer has emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana,” he reiterated.

It is for this reason that the newly instituted Child Oncology and Physiotherapy Unit promises to bring relieve to children suffering from cancer related diseases as well as sickle cell challenges.

The Oncology unit comes with two consulting rooms, a nurses’ reception station and office, a main ward for in-patients, a treatment area, kitchenette and five washrooms.

While the physiotherapy unit amongst others has two consulting rooms, a rehabilitation gymnasium; outplay room, and a waiting area.

A plague of honour was presented to Dr Osei Kwame in appreciation of his outstanding contribution to the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Services.

Dr. Osei Kwame donated the facility to the 37 Military Hospital as his birthday present to the hospital.

See photos below:

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]