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The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has held the first in the series of alumni lectures where it urged the government not to simply identify the challenges in the healthcare system but create a platform that leads to sustainable lasting solutions.
The lecture was held on the theme: “Enhancing Healthcare Delivery: The Role of Sustainable Energy and Reliable Technology,” at the Cedi Auditorium of the University in Ho.
Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, an energy expert and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chamber of Independent Power Producers, (IPP) Ghana, was the first to deliver the inaugural Lecture.
He recommended capacity training on Energy Management to empower healthcare professionals and challenged universities to include in their curriculum Power Crises Management programs targeted at healthcare professionals.
“The life-saving devices that rely on the constant flow of electricity, ventilators that sustains breathing, incubators that nurture premature babies, the dialysis machines that clean blood, the vaccines and drugs that must be stored under a precise condition, all demand our collective ingenuity, resilience and unwavering commitments,” he said.
Dr. Apetorgbor referred to the importance the World Health Organization (WHO) attached to energy in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3 and 7) on good health and well-being, thus advocating access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
He said energy and technology for healthcare were not only limited to power but linked to public health, food security, gender equality, clean water, education, economic growth and climate change.
“Access to electricity is critical in healthcare, it is the bedrock on which universal health coverage must be built.”
That explained why the United Nations Sustainable Energy for all, launched in 2012, set a whole target to universal access to clean and modern energy by 2030, Dr Apetorgbor said.
“…It calls on us to increase our efforts in energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy, placing healthcare facilities at the forefront of this mission.”
“There is the need to provide financial support through Public Private Partnerships for renewable energy like solar.”
Professor Lydia Aziato, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, in her welcome address, commended the President, Mr Gabriel Agbanyo, executives and patrons of the Alumni for their efforts in kick starting the annual lecture.
She applauded past students that are positively projecting UHAS in the healthcare profession worldwide.
“I am convinced our alumni will soon be among the shakers and movers of the healthcare sector both locally and globally,” she said.
Professor Aziato said the theme for the occasion was apt in the current dispensation as the roles of energy and technology were becoming increasingly critical in improving healthcare.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, reiterated the timeliness of the theme in navigating the complexities of modern healthcare.
“We must harness the power of sustainable energy and cutting-edge technology to improve quality and accessibility in the healthcare services.”
He noted that technology had revolutionized “every aspect of our lives and healthcare is no exception; from telemedicine to electronic records, advanced diagnostic tools and treatment methods, technology has provided more accurate and efficient patient-centered care.”
“Sustainable energy is not just an environmental imperative but a cornerstone of resilient healthcare systems.”
Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, the Chairman for the lecture, who was represented by Togbe Dzomatsi II, a Chief of Ho-Bankoe, said: “We need to advance educationally in order to assure ourselves of a sustainable future.”
He called for the support of all stakeholders in the energy sector to ensure a sustainable energy system for healthcare and human development in general.
Mr Gabriel Agbanyo, the UHAS Alumni President, commended the UHAS Management and all who played diverse roles in the success of the maiden Alumni Lecture.
In attendance were the Registrar, Ms Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, Deans, Directors, Faculty and Staff of the University, heads of government departments in the Volta Region, past and present students of UHAS, and students from second cycle institutions in the Ho township.
Source: GNA
