Fire has swept through the Senchi Ferry Health Centre in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, causing extensive damage.

The destructive blaze raged for several hours and resulted in the destruction of two distinct sections within the health facility: one dedicated to reproductive and child health (RCH) and another to the mental health unit.

Numerous items, including vaccine carriers, furniture, air conditioning units, glass doors, T&J ceilings, and various healthcare equipment valued at over GHS 10,000, were lost in the fire.

The Operations Officer of the Asuogyaman National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr. George Mireku Asiamah, revealed that reports had been received indicating that a part of the health facility had caught fire on August 23rd, around 4pm.

According to Mr. Asiamah, a staff member at the health center reported hearing an unusual sound originating from the ceiling fan regulator, which eventually sparked and ignited the fire. Prior to the arrival of the fire service, individuals on-site used fire extinguishers and assistance from the local community to successfully contain the flames, ultimately extinguishing the fire.

Following a comprehensive assessment, Mr. Asiamah suggested that the root cause of the incident could be attributed to an electrical fault. He confirmed that the necessary report had been fully documented and would be forwarded to the relevant authorities for review.

Mr. Asiamah emphasized the need for the speedy restoration of the affected rooms in the coming weeks, as the facility plays a crucial role in providing healthcare services to the local community.

The Senchi Ferry Health Centre is among the most frequently visited healthcare facilities in the area, serving as a vital source of medical care for residents.

In response to the incident, the Asuogyaman District Chief Executive, Mr. Samuel Kwame Agyekum, and the coordinating Director conducted an inspection visit. They also planned to convene a management meeting promptly to discuss strategies for the rehabilitation of the fire-damaged facility.

Furthermore, the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman Constituency, Mr. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has taken proactive steps to address the situation. Reports indicate that he has deployed a team to assess the situation and compile a comprehensive report outlining potential solutions to expedite the resolution of the current challenges faced by the health center.