Mahama to establish infectious disease units in all district hospitals

Establishing infectious disease units in district hospitals in Ghana is crucial for the following reasons:

Early detection and containment of outbreaks: Infectious disease units can help in the early detection of outbreaks of infectious diseases such as cholera and influenza. By having dedicated units for infectious diseases, healthcare workers can quickly identify and isolate patients with these diseases, preventing the spread to others in the hospital and the community.

Improved patient care: Having specialised units for infectious diseases can ensure that patients receive appropriate and timely care. Healthcare workers in these units can be trained in the latest treatment protocols for infectious diseases, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

Prevention of healthcare-associated infections: Infectious disease units can also help in preventing healthcare-associated infections. By isolating patients with infectious diseases, hospitals can reduce the risk of transmission to other patients and healthcare workers.

Capacity building: Establishing infectious disease units in district hospitals can also help in building the capacity of healthcare workers in managing infectious diseases. Training programmes can be developed to ensure that healthcare workers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage infectious diseases.

Public health surveillance: Infectious disease units can also play a key role in public health surveillance. By monitoring and reporting cases of infectious diseases, these units can help in identifying trends and patterns of disease transmission, which can inform public health interventions and policies.

In connection with these benefits, 2024 presidential aspirant on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress, former President John Dramani Mahama has promised to establish infectious disease units in all district hospitals in Ghana if voted for as president in the upcoming polls.

Mahama’s idea of establishing infectious disease units in all district hospitals can help in early detection and containment of outbreaks, improve patient care, prevent healthcare-associated infections, build the capacity of healthcare workers, and enhance public health surveillance. This initiative can also contribute to strengthening the overall healthcare system in Ghana and protecting the health of its population.

By: Anthony Obeng Afrane