In a significant boost to healthcare delivery, the St. Anne Catholic Hospital in Damongo on the 12th March, 2025, received a donation of state-of-the-art medical equipment worth €30,000 (approximately 500,000 Ghana Cedis) from the Circle Association for International Cooperation, a philanthropic organization based in Bolzano, Italy. This donation came through the joint collaboration of the Diocesan Health Directorate and the Diocesan Development office.
The medical equipment received are meant to equip the laboratory and theatre, aiming at enhancing diagnostic and surgical services in the St. Anne Hospital.
The items handed over include a hot air oven, an incubator, electrophoresis machine, and Benson burner for the laboratory, as well as an anaesthetic machine, theatre bed, and standing lamp for the theatre. This medical equipment is expected to help boost health delivery by the Hospital, particularly in diagnosing infections and performing surgeries.
Dr. Nelson Agboadoh, Medical Director of the hospital, expressed his gratitude for the donation, emphasizing its transformative impact. “This medical equipment are essential for surgeries in the Hospital. For instance, the laboratory tools will enable us to perform sensitivity tests, which help us identify specific bacteria causing infections and prescribe the right antibiotics. This moves us away from empirical treatment to evidence-based care,” he explained.
Previously, the hospital faced significant challenges, including outdated equipment and limited capacity to handle multiple surgical cases simultaneously. Dr. Nelson noted that the new theatre bed and anaesthetic machine would improve patient comfort and safety during surgeries, while the laboratory equipment would ensure accurate and timely diagnoses.
Dr. Nelson also called for further support to address ongoing challenges, including the need for modern surgical instruments and a maternity complex. “While we are grateful for this donation, there is still more to be done. We appeal to benevolent individuals and organizations to help us transform this hospital into a centre of excellence,” he added.
Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Kuubetersuur, Development Coordinator for the Diocese, who handed the equipment to the hospital, highlighted the diocese’s commitment to supporting the hospital. “This donation is just the first tranche. We are expecting an additional €30,000 worth of equipment soon. Our donors have been incredibly generous, and we urge the hospital staff to use these resources responsibly to ensure they serve the community for years to come,” he said.
“The Circle Association for International Cooperation, based in Northern Italy, has been a key partner in this initiative. The total cost of the equipment expected is over €60,000, with the second batch of items anticipated to arrive shortly. “
The donation marks a significant step forward for the St. Anne Catholic Hospital, promising improved healthcare services for the people of Damongo and its surrounding communities. The hospital administration and staff have pledged to maximize the use of the new equipment to deliver quality, evidence-based care to all patients.
