A delegation from the Research, Education, Aid in Christ (REACH) Foundation, including three doctors from the United States, has paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, ahead of a week-long medical outreach that includes free minimally invasive surgeries and the donation of medical equipment worth over US$250,000 to the University Hospital.

Director of University Health Services, Dr. Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng, who led the team to the Vice-Chancellor, recounted how the partnership began earlier this year when Dr. Kofi Asare Bawuah visited the hospital.

“He gave me a blank check and said, ‘What do you need? What can we do to support the work of the University Health Services?’” Dr. Boateng said.

He noted the team arrived with a container of medical supplies, including ICU beds, infant warmers, patient monitors and more.

He also added “They are coming to undertake minimally invasive surgery free of charge for our patients. And not just that they will transfer the knowledge and skills to some of our doctors. They started the work yesterday and will be here for the whole week.”

President of the REACH Foundation, Dr. Kofi Asare Bawuah, an alumnus of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, explained that the organisation, though only two years old, is committed to long-term partnership.

“This would be the start of a partnership between us and the University Hospital. We hope to be able to come three or four times a year with surgeons and other specialists to work for a week or two at a time.

He added that the donation includes a full laparoscopic tower with two laparoscopes and that further support has been identified after visiting various units.

“There are a few things we think we can work on for the OR and the paediatric unit,” he said. “It’s our way of helping improve lives.”

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson praised the team for their sacrifice and long-term commitment to improving healthcare.

 “You are not just coming to impact the health delivery system or give quality health service, but by the time you leave, our health infrastructure and our health professionals will also be impacted,” she said.

She emphasized that the intervention would benefit communities beyond the university.

“We are surrounded by more than 20 communities who depend on the University Hospital as their first point of call,” she said. “The infrastructure, the training and the services you are providing will stay in the minds of the community forever.”

The REACH Foundation delegation were Dr. Yaa Obiri-Korang, Dr. Adwoa Opoku Boateng and Dr. Josh McIlderry.