Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital enhances orthopaedic, trauma care in Ghana

GHANA—The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi has strengthened its capacity to become a tertiary center of excellence in the management and treatment of orthopedic and trauma cases in Africa.

Currently, the hospital is collaborating with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in the United States of America to train and enhance the skills of its health personnel in specialized areas.

Additionally, the partnership aims to improve medical systems to realize these aspirations.

Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, the Chief Executive of KATH, highlighted these developments during a conference organized by the hospital to assess the progress made so far in managing orthopedic and trauma cases since the formation of the partnership with HSS.

The conference, themed “Hospital for Special Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Collaboration, the Story so Far,” provided an opportunity for the two institutions to identify further measures and strategies to ensure the full realization of their goals.

These goals align with the country’s needs in the areas of orthopedic and trauma services, training, and research.

Moreover, the collaboration has been intensified to include spine and plastic surgeries, positioning it as an excellent global health initiative.

Professor Addai-Mensah mentioned that KATH’s engagement with the Global Regional Anesthesia Curricular had significantly impacted clinical skills and the use of peripheral nerve blocks for extremity surgeries at the hospital.

He noted that more medical officers at KATH have shown a keen interest in these skills.

Additionally, publications developed by the partners have served as reference points, aiding in the skills training for staff in managing orthopedic and trauma cases.

Dr. Andrews Grose, Lead Surgeon at HSS-USA, pledged his organization’s commitment to improving the management of orthopedic and trauma cases at KATH.

He explained that infrastructure improvements are underway, facilitated by increased philanthropic budgeting and the training of personnel. This includes material testing on implants to find affordable and quality products.

Furthermore, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, Deputy Director at KATH, highlighted that most of the trauma cases managed at the hospital are due to road accidents. This situation has become a significant public health concern.

He emphasized the need for all key stakeholders to collaborate and address this issue to help reduce road accidents in the country.

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