The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service has assured the affected residents of the Akosombo Dam spillage that his outfit is working to ensure they are provided with the needed healthcare services.
Speaking with some victims during a visit to some of the affected areas on Monday, October 23, Dr Patrick Aboagye noted that victims can access healthcare services for free as and when they need it.
He explained that the Service has noticed that people may have lost their health insurance cards and medications in the floods, in addition to the properties lost.
“Following the initial assessment, we’ve been doing our bit. First, we ask that anybody who comes in without any health insurance that they [health professionals] have been instructed to attend to them without any question,” he said.
Dr Aboagye added that the Service was also concerned about the congestion in the temporary shelters, and thus urged the victims to be consistent about their hygiene and keeping the shelters clean.
“You have to wash your hands. You need to clean your environment so that you don’t have any infection that will spread to other people, especially the children and the elderly, which may be very devastating for them,” he said.
“To support you do that, we have come with large quantities of liquid soup, sanitisers, and individual bottles for the family so that even if there’s no water, you can wash your hands. We are bringing large quantities of chlorine for it to be able to clean the environment so that you don’t have any bacteria or viruses around,” the GHS Director added.
In addition, he noted that the Service is also providing large quantities of mosquito nets to prevent malaria since many victims are sleeping outside and are prone to mosquito bites.
Dr Aboagye added that he is also seeking help from several pharmaceutical companies to lend a hand, adding that the Service will work to ensure the safety of residents.
Background
On September 15, the Volta River Authority commenced the spilling of excess water due to rising levels of the Akosombo and Kpong hydro dams.
Weeks after the spillage started, many residents living along the Lower Volta Basin have lost their homes and farms to the floods caused by the spillage.
Currently, nine districts find themselves reeling under the fury of the racing spillage, with the inhabitants caught up in this humanitarian crisis.
Heart-wrenching tales have emerged from the South, Central, and North Tongu districts of the Volta Region, where the devastation knows no bounds.
The once vibrant communities of Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo have been submerged, their existence nearly swallowed by the unrelenting waters.
Over 26,000 people according to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO) have been displaced and rendered homeless.
Some institutions and individuals have since presented relief items to residents.
President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahama Bawumia and other political figures have also visited the communities.
The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Minority caucus has also extended a helping hand to the victims.
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