Korle-Bu gets Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has inaugurated the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s healthcare journey.
The state-of-the-art facility, constructed at a cost of €38 million, will provide advanced treatments for urological and nephrological conditions, significantly reducing the need for Ghanaians to seek specialized care abroad.

The facility was made possible through a credit facility from Raiffeisen Bank International AG of Austria, with insurance cover from OeKB Group.
It is equipped with cutting-edge technology aimed at addressing the rising incidence of kidney diseases and urological disorders in Ghana.

Enhancing Ghana’s healthcare capacity
President Akufo-Addo, during the launch, emphasized that the Centre’s commissioning reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Ghanaians.
He described the Centre as a “considerable milestone” that will not only provide life-saving services, such as kidney transplants, but also position Ghana as a hub for medical tourism in the West African sub-region.
“This modern facility will provide advanced treatments for patients with chronic and acute kidney failures, as well as other urological conditions. The Centre is also positioned to offer life-saving services such as kidney transplants—helping to fulfill our national objective of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” said President Akufo-Addo.

World-class services and facilities
The Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence is designed to deliver comprehensive healthcare services. Key features of the facility include a 30-suite dialysis station for patients with kidney disorders, a 70-bed unit for genito-urinary patients, otpatient diagnostic and treatment services, inpatient care services and a range of public amenities.
The Centre also includes administrative offices, staff facilities, a research unit, and a three-year post-construction maintenance and training program to ensure its smooth operation in the years to come.

Positioning Ghana as a medical tourism hub
With its state-of-the-art equipment and world-class services, the Centre is expected to attract patients from neighboring countries, opening new opportunities for medical tourism.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized this potential, noting that the Centre will not only serve Ghanaians but also generate revenue from foreign patients seeking advanced medical care.
“The Centre will put Ghana on the map for medical tourism, providing services to patients from neighboring countries and beyond. This will generate additional revenue for the facility, ensuring sustainability and continued expansion of services,” the President said.

Agenda 111
The inauguration of the Urology and Nephrology Centre is part of the government’s broader healthcare agenda, which includes the “Agenda 111” initiative aimed at building district hospitals in every district without one.
President Akufo-Addo pointed to the recent commissioning of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital in August 2024 as an example of the government’s progress in expanding healthcare infrastructure across the country.
By the end of 2024, the government expects to complete several additional healthcare projects, including 11 district hospitals and one polyclinic in the Ashanti, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Ahafo Regions.
As of September 2024, the Agenda 111 project stands at 69% completion, with eight district hospitals nearing completion.
“Our healthcare infrastructure stands as one of the greatest legacies of my administration,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.

Equitable distribution of healthcare workers
In addition to expanding healthcare infrastructure, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the government’s focus on addressing the uneven distribution of healthcare workers across the country.
He urged the Ministry of Health to expedite a draft incentive package aimed at ensuring healthcare staff are placed where they are most needed, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
“We remain steadfast in addressing the uneven distribution of healthcare workers,” the President said, encouraging the Ministry of Health to finalize the incentive package.

Sustainable healthcare infrastructure
President Akufo-Addo also stressed the importance of maintaining the new Urology and Nephrology Centre to ensure its longevity. He called on the management of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to implement a robust preventive maintenance strategy and urged community members to hold healthcare managers accountable for the proper use and upkeep of the facility.
“It is critical that we implement a well-thought-out maintenance plan,” he said.

Looking Aahead
The inauguration of the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence marks a significant achievement in Ghana’s healthcare sector.
As the government continues to make strides toward achieving Universal Health Coverage, the facility will play a key role in providing high-quality care to both Ghanaians and international patients.
With additional healthcare projects nearing completion and a continued focus on equitable healthcare worker distribution, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to delivering on its healthcare promises. “Our progress in healthcare infrastructure is a proud legacy of this administration,” he concluded.
Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, Minister of Health, was hopeful the Centre would boost surgical care for urologic emergency cases in the country.
Professor James E. Mensah, Head of the Urology Unit at KBTH, stressed the need to for increased investment in the training of urologists in Ghana.
He pointed out that the country currently had only 78 urologists, a number that is insufficient given the rising incidence of urologic cases.