The Volta River Authority’s (VRA) Health Service, under the leadership of its Medical Director, Dr. Omari-Yeboah, has taken measures to provide medical assistance and medications for the flood victims resulting from the Akosombo dam spillage.
When discussing the medical interventions that have been established to assist the affected communities, Dr. Omari-Yeboah emphasized their close collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
They are in the process of deploying medical staff to the affected areas, including doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals.
In addition to their efforts, the GHS has dispatched personnel from other regions of the country to bolster the work of the medical teams already on the ground.
“We are providing medical, sanitary, lab and pharmacy services at no cost to the citizens”.
Dr. Yeboah also stated that his organization is providing medicines to further bolster the relief effort in addition to the additional doctors and nurses deployed.
“As part of the combined efforts, we have also supplied medicines to the Ghana Health Services to help in the relief effort,” he said.
These medical relief provisions encompass a range of items, including anti-venom serums, pain relievers, antibiotics, hand sanitizers, mosquito repellents, gloves, cannulas, deworming medications, and anti-fungal topical creams.
Additionally, the VRA Health Service has distributed drugs designed to address specific illnesses like cholera, enteric fever, dysentery, worm infestations, skin infections, snakebites, malaria, and respiratory diseases.
Dr. Omari-Yeboah expressed his sympathy for the afflicted victims and provided assurance that the VRA is committed to providing assistance and support to them.
“We are in this together. It is our sworn duty to serve and we shall serve our community. We will leave no stone unturned in providing the medical support needed”.
Dr. Omari-Yeboah provided reassurance to the victims, emphasizing that the distribution of drugs and medical equipment is just the beginning of the VRA’s Evacuation Plan. He stated that all affected districts will continue to receive a steady supply of crucial medical supplies and medications.
Dr Omari-Yeboah said, “As an Obstetrician and Gynecologist by training, the women and children are especially of great concern to me, so anything I can do in my power to ensure their health and well-being will be done, as my Chief Executive said, no one will be left behind.”
Dr. Yeboah gave his assurance that the VRA Health Services team will remain committed to offering ongoing support to the community, extending well beyond the conclusion of the controlled spill of the Akosombo dam.
He reiterated that his team stands ready with staff, ambulances, and other medical resources at all times, ready to augment the efforts of the Ghana Health Service.
As part of its comprehensive support system for the affected communities, VRA continues to provide essential relief items, including substantial supplies of canned foods, foodstuffs, toiletries, potable drinking water, and fresh water tankers on a daily basis.
Safe havens have been established on elevated ground, and daily evacuation efforts are ongoing, with special attention being given to the well-being of women, children, the elderly, and the sick to minimize their exposure to diseases and hardships.