The Ministry of Health has engaged a high-level delegation from the Italian Government to push forward plans for the retooling of 37 selected public hospitals across Ghana, under a broader effort to enhance clinical service delivery nationwide.

The meeting, led by Health Minister Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, centered on discussions regarding a concessional loan agreement from the Government of Italy.

The loan will finance the provision of modern medical equipment to replace outdated tools in the targeted facilities — a project that began in 2021.

The retooling initiative aims to transform healthcare delivery by boosting diagnostic and treatment capabilities in public hospitals while contributing to a reduction in institutional mortality rates.

During the engagement, the Minister outlined the government's broader priorities in the health sector, including the construction of six new regional hospitals in the newly created regions, the upgrading of existing regional hospitals, and the establishment of a 500-bed Children’s and Fertility Centre of Excellence.

General for Development Cooperation Stefano Gatti and Health Minister Mintah Akandoh

The Italian delegation, led by Director General for Development Cooperation Stefano Gatti, confirmed that all preparatory stages — including the Project’s Concept Notes, Pre-feasibility, and Feasibility Studies — have been successfully completed and endorsed by the Ministry of Finance.

Italian officials expressed their commitment to supporting the retooling project through concessional financing and noted their confidence in the initiative's long-term impact on Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.

The Ministry of Health believes that continued collaboration between the two governments will accelerate the project’s transition into the implementation phase, ensuring hospitals across the country are better equipped to deliver quality care.