The University Health Services (UHS) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST)  has commissioned a newly constructed Physiotherapy Unit and a state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) scan facility at the University Hospital, reinforcing its commitment to quality healthcare delivery for students, staff, and the surrounding community.

The Director of University Health Services, Dr Nana Kwame Ofori Ayisi-Boateng, described the development as a major milestone, saying the commissioning reflects years of effort, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.

He explained that the hospital’s previous CT scanner became non-functional about four to five years ago, forcing patients to seek diagnostic services elsewhere and disrupting hospital operations. He commended his predecessor and the Vice-Chancellor for initiating engagements with potential investment partners that led to the project.

“Following extensive engagements with partners, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in April 2025 between KNUST and Spectra Health, leading to the installation of a new CT scan system,” he said.

Dr Ayisi-Boateng noted that within three days of installation, the facility had already served more than 20 patients, underscoring its immediate relevance to clinical care.

He also highlighted the rapid growth of physiotherapy services since their introduction in May 2022 through collaboration with the Department of Physiotherapy and Sports Science. Monthly patient numbers, he said, have risen from about 30 to nearly 800, significantly boosting hospital revenue.

Despite challenges such as congestion and limited space, he praised staff for maintaining high standards of care, which made the construction of a dedicated physiotherapy unit necessary. The facility was completed within four months through internal collaboration and innovative resource mobilization.

The Chief Executive Officer of Spectra Health, Prof. G. A. Asafu-Adjaye Frimpong, described the partnership as impactful, revealing that the newly installed CT scanner is a 32-slice machine supported by an advanced radiology information system to ensure seamless diagnosis and reporting.

He said the facility would significantly improve emergency care by reducing delays in diagnosing critical conditions such as strokes and pulmonary embolism.

The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Christian Agyare, said the initiative began as part of efforts to support academic training and accreditation and has now grown into an important clinical and teaching resource.

“This provides an important opportunity for training our students while delivering quality healthcare,” he said, urging management and staff to priorities maintenance to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, said the commissioning reflects KNUST’s culture of building on past achievements through collaboration and visionary leadership.

“Our goal is to provide a one-stop center for quality healthcare for our students, staff, and the wider community,” she said.

She stressed the importance of communication, teamwork, and data-driven healthcare delivery, noting that modern diagnostic tools such as CT scanners are critical for accurate clinical decision-making. She also reiterated the need for a strong maintenance culture to sustain the university’s growing healthcare infrastructure.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed management’s commitment to supporting further innovation and expansion in healthcare delivery at KNUST through strategic partnerships and continuous improvement.