The Sogakope District Hospital, located in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region, finds itself dealing with a surge in medical cases due to recent flooding. To accommodate the influx of patients, individuals from the inundated Richard Comboni Catholic Hospital, also a district hospital in Sogakope, have been transferred to the district hospital.
This unfortunate situation has disrupted healthcare services at the Catholic hospital. Monica Asase, the Deputy Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services at the 68-bed Sogakope District Hospital, shared this information with the Daily Graphic in Sogakope. As of a recent morning, the hospital had 86 patients on admission, necessitating the provision of 16 extra mattresses. Hospital authorities anticipate further increases in admissions.
Ms. Asase assured that the district health facility is well-prepared for this challenging scenario, with an ample workforce ready for any contingencies. She mentioned that there are currently 500 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other personnel at the hospital. Those scheduled for annual leave have been asked to postpone their plans.
Additionally, she urged residents in flood-affected areas to maintain proper and regular handwashing practices and prepare their meals under highly hygienic conditions.
The Volta Regional Director of Health, Dr. Chrystantus Kubio, confirmed these circumstances in Ho. He addressed rumors of snakebites, stating that health authorities had thoroughly investigated such claims and found them largely exaggerated. He explained that reptiles were likely seeking refuge and food in communities due to the floodwaters, which may have given rise to their occasional presence.
Dr. Kubio encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any encounters with reptiles promptly. He also noted that the Volta River Authority (VRA) had supplied a substantial quantity of anti-snake venom to health facilities in the affected areas to supplement existing stocks.
In a reassuring update, the Sogakope District Hospital had not recorded any cases of snakebites, cholera, typhoid fever, or water-borne diseases in the wake of the flooding caused by the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage, contrary to the rumors of serpents invading communities to harm people.
Ms. Asase stated that the hospital was well-equipped with anti-snake venom to provide immediate care to snakebite victims and other related health conditions.
Credits: Graphic Online
