FINALLY! UG Medical Centre opens today

After a heavy public outrage on the abandon of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) for far too long, it will officially open today [Wednesday] July 18,20118.

The 650-bed facility built at a cost of $217 million has been dormant for more than 18 months after the first phase of the project was inaugurated by former President John Dramani Mahama on January 4, 2017.

The facility had been abandoned for several months by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government after it assumed office in January 2017 with the excuse that there were some technical challenges.

As the facility will be open today to the public for operation, it is however indicated it will only take referral Out Patient Department (OPD) cases in the short term with a staff strength of about 30 as approved by the Health Ministry.

Eventually, the University of Ghana Medical Centre is expected to receive patients not only across the country, but also from the sub-region and beyond.

The facility has about eight huge blocks, which house an emergency centre, an outpatient and administration block, women and children’s centre, a medical training and simulation centre, among others.

Meanwhile, Parliament has approved two agreements the fund the second phase of the Centre to enable it run fully and also meet international standards.