Ministry of Health denies water shortage at Ridge Hospital

The Ministry of Health has denied media reports indicating an acute water shortage at the Ridge Hospital in Accra.

A story published on Myjoyonline.com said the hospital had been hit by a shortage in water supply for the past two weeks, causing both patients and medical officers to rely on sachet water to conduct surgeries.

According to the online news portal, the problem is so serious that some surgeries have had to be postponed because the orderlies do not get water to wash hospital equipment and robes which the surgeons use for surgeries.

However, according to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Tony Goodman, said a visit to the hospital following the report established that there was a hitch with the pumping system, noting that the problem had been rectified.

The statement added that prior to the hitch, alternate arrangements had been put in place, thus the hospital’s water tanker as well as others were contracted to supply water to the hospital.

“It will be recalled that two years ago, the National Security drilled bore holes for the hospital to augment what the hospital has and forestall any acute water shortage,” the statement said.

The Ministry has therefore, expressed displeasure over the manner with which the report was carried, noting that, “One can only ascertain the truth or otherwise if he/she visits the hospital and goes round the establishment as there are enough polytanks serving all departments of the facility. It will be fair if reporters from media organizations seek clarification on issues with Medical Director of the hospital.”