Health professionals at the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital in Accra have called for the urgent operationalisation of the Weija Children’s Hospital, citing growing pressure from increasing referrals across the Greater Accra Region.
The appeal comes as the Princess Marie Louise facility continues to experience a surge in paediatric cases, stretching its capacity and resources.
Growing strain on children’s hospital
According to medical leadership at the hospital, which has long served as the capital’s main public facility dedicated solely to children, the rising number of referrals from areas including Kasoa, Weija, and Winneba has created significant challenges for healthcare providers.
Hospital authorities say the facility, originally built years ago, is now struggling to cope with the volume of cases, despite the commitment of staff to deliver care under increasingly demanding conditions.
Call for immediate action
Doctors believe the opening of the Weija Children’s Hospital would help ease this burden by providing additional space and specialised services for paediatric care.
The yet-to-be-operational facility is expected to serve as a major referral centre, expanding access to child healthcare and reducing congestion at existing hospitals.
Health experts say such a move would not only improve access to timely treatment but also contribute to lowering child mortality rates by ensuring that critical cases receive quicker attention.
A completed but unused facility
The Weija Children’s Hospital, a 120-bed specialist facility, has already been completed and equipped but remains non-operational due to ongoing administrative and procurement challenges.
The hospital was designed with modern infrastructure, including neonatal and paediatric intensive care units, emergency services, and specialised treatment wards.
Despite its readiness, delays linked to unresolved contractual issues and procurement concerns have stalled its commissioning, leaving a critical gap in healthcare delivery.
Impact on healthcare delivery
Medical professionals warn that the delay continues to impact the broader health system, particularly in urban and peri-urban communities where demand for child healthcare is rising.
With only a limited number of specialised paediatric facilities serving Accra, hospitals like Princess Marie Louise are increasingly overwhelmed, affecting waiting times and service efficiency.
Looking ahead
Authorities within the health sector maintain that resolving outstanding issues and bringing the Weija hospital into operation should be treated as a priority.
They argue that doing so will strengthen Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure and ensure that more children receive timely and quality medical care.
