The CEO of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Professor Dr. Otchere Addai Mensah, has shared that the hospital has been lacking a mammogram machine for the past 18 years.

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This essential device, critical for the early detection of breast cancer, has been absent from one of Ghana’s premier healthcare institutions, raising alarms about the state of healthcare in the country.

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In an interview with Kojo Marfo on Abusua Nkommo at Abusua965FM, Professor Addai Mensah painted a sobering picture of the hospital’s ongoing struggle with resource shortages.

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Professor Addai Mensah pointed out that the lack of a mammogram machine is only one aspect of a broader issue, as the hospital is also facing significant shortages of essential equipment and infrastructure deficiencies.

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“For 18 years, Komfo Anokye has not had a mammogram machine—the machine used to check for breast cancer in women.

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“These are essential for conducting operations, yet they are not functioning properly,” he said. “So when you ask me what we need most, it’s hard to say because the list is endless.”

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He added, “Breast cancer is staged from one to four, with earlier detection offering better treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, about 70% of our breast cancer cases are diagnosed at stages three and four, when treatment becomes far more difficult and outcomes are dire,” he said.

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He did not hesitate to point to the root cause of these problems, a lack of adequate government backing.

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He stressed that revitalizing a key institution like KATH is primarily the government's duty. However, due to limited financial resources, the hospital has been forced to reallocate its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) – originally intended for medicines and medical supplies – to acquire equipment that should be provided by the state.

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“Our oxygen plant is deteriorating, and we urgently need a new one. “The CT scan machine at the Accident and Emergency Department breaks down frequently, delaying care for patients in critical condition. The MRI machine, which was purchased 12 years ago, possibly not even brand new, has its challenges”, he emphasized.

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Professor Addai Mensah also raised alarms about the hospital's autoclave machines, which are critical for sterilizing surgical instruments.

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Despite these challenges, KATH has still managed to make some progress thanks to its IGF.

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“The hospital recently purchased nine new dialysis machines at a cost of GH¢500,000 each, along with six months’ worth of consumables. Additionally, six anaesthesia machines were acquired at GH¢400,000 each following renovations to the main theatre,” Prof Addai Mensah stressed.

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