CSIR-Crops Research Institute Unveils New Sick Bay Facility at Kwadaso Station
The Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) has unveiled its new Sick Bay Facility in a colorful ceremony held on Friday, 13th December 2024 at its Kwadaso Station in Kumasi.
The ceremony brought together dignitaries such as Representatives from Kwadaso Municipal Health Directorate, and Mawerehene of Agric. Nzema, Nana Gyan Ofosu, Chief of Kokode, Nana Okyere Darko, the Director of CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Dr. Collins Tay, the Principal of Kwadaso Agricultural College, Mr. Albert Amoako and Hon. Ebenezer Acheampong, Kwadaso Assemblyman who pledged their support for the Sick Bay.
In his welcome address, the Ag. Director of CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Dr. Ernest Baafi expressed gratitude to the Station Manager, Dr. Michael Kwabena Osei, and the First Aid team for their hard work towards establishing the facility.
He emphasized that Sick Bay demonstrates Management’s unwavering commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment for both staff and the surrounding communities.
“We recognize that health and wellness are essential to our success and overall well-being” the Ag. Director added.
He disclosed that the Sick Bay is equipped with standard modern medical equipment and drugs and would be managed by trained healthcare professionals.
This initiative according to the Ag. Director would provide prompt and quality medical attention to staff in need and ensure that staff members receive workplace health care and support.
In his remarks, the Kwadaso Station Manager, Dr. Michael Kwabena Osei, stated that CRI staff work tirelessly in the fields, laboratories, and offices to advance the frontiers of agricultural research and development. However, this work also exposes them to various health risks, snake bites, and other accidents in the research fields and laboratories.
He pointed out that Sick Bay would provide prompt health services to staff and also serve as a hub for promoting health and wellness among members of staff.
“We will be organizing regular health screenings, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness about healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and management”, Dr. Kwabena Osei stated.
He expressed gratitude to the Kwadaso District Health Directorate, who linked the Institute with the Nwamase Community Health Center to provide medical support and a nurse to work at the Sick Bay.
A representative from the Kwadaso Municipal Health Directorate, Mr. Eric Asaana, lauded CRI management for the establishment of such a facility. He urged the Institute to do documentation to ensure that it goes through the National Health System to enable them to get support from the Municipal Health Directorate.
The commissioning of the Sick Bay at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute’s Kwadaso Station marks a significant milestone in the Institute’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its staff. With its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive range of services, Sick Bay is poised to play a critical role in promoting the health and well-being of staff, while also supporting the Institute’s mission to advance agricultural research and development in Ghana.
Authors: Linda Agyeman, Lynda G.S. Nsafoah
