The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called on healthcare professionals to keep compassion, dignity and respect at the centre of patient care, stressing that technology cannot replace the human connection required in healthcare delivery.
The Health Minister made the remarks during an unannounced visit to the Weija-Gbawe Children’s Specialist Hospital, where he assessed the facility’s operations and discussed measures to strengthen healthcare services.
According to Mr Akandoh, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly helping healthcare workers reduce their workload and improve efficiency, but it cannot replicate the compassion and human interaction that patients need.
“AI has come to ease the work we do, but AI will never have compassion for human beings. That is our strength. If we lose that, there will not be any difference between us and AI,” he said.
Health Ministry Deploys Doctors, Nurses and Midwives
The Health Minister expressed satisfaction with the commencement of operations at the specialist hospital and directed the immediate deployment of 10 medical doctors and 30 nurses and midwives to strengthen the hospital’s workforce.
The additional healthcare professionals are expected to support the expansion of services and improve access to specialised medical care for children in the area.
Mr Akandoh also urged hospital management and staff to ensure that the facility and its medical equipment are properly maintained to the required standards.
He welcomed the hospital’s accreditation under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and assured management of the Ministry of Health’s continued support in addressing outstanding challenges.
The Minister said the government remains committed to ensuring that patients receive quality healthcare services and that public health facilities are adequately equipped to meet the needs of communities.
Weija-Gbawe Children’s Specialist Hospital Begins Operations
The Acting Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Nana Okine Brago, disclosed that the facility has a capacity of approximately 120 beds and began operations on August 17, 2026.
He explained that the hospital currently operates as a secondary-level referral centre, with preparations underway to introduce inpatient services following the deployment of additional medical personnel.
The expansion is expected to enhance the hospital’s ability to provide specialised healthcare services to children and improve access to medical care within the Weija-Gbawe Municipality and surrounding communities.
Health Ministry Focuses on Improving Patient Care
The Health Minister’s visit forms part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to monitor healthcare facilities, identify operational challenges and ensure that public health infrastructure is effectively utilised.
The Ministry said such assessments are intended to strengthen healthcare delivery, improve access to quality medical services and enhance patient outcomes.
While technology such as artificial intelligence continues to transform the healthcare sector, Mr Akandoh emphasised that human compassion, dignity and respect must remain central to patient care.
Source: newsthemegh.com