Most Rev. Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier, the Catholic Bishop of Damongo, has officially commissioned the Matyrs of Uganda Polyclinic in Bole.
The commissioning which took place on September 17, is a significant milestone in the region’s healthcare history.
The Matyrs of Uganda Polyclinic, which stands as the oldest healthcare facility in the Bole District, has been serving the community since its inception in 1963. It was originally established as a first aid center by a white priest, Fr. Joseph Copens, offering essential care for minor wounds and ailments.
Over the years, it evolved into an outreach center with dedicated health workers commuting from Damongo to Bole to provide vital healthcare services to the local residents, primarily administered by Sisters.
The Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI), led by Sr. Mary Peter, took over the management of the health facility, marking a crucial turning point in its history.
Today, the Matyrs of Uganda Polyclinic operates under the Catholic Health Service Trust and falls under the auspices of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG).
The facility has expanded its services over the years, offering a broad spectrum of healthcare services to the community, including laboratory services, reproductive and child health services, HIV counseling and testing (HCT) and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs, 24-hour outpatient department (OPD) services, mental health services, health education and promotion, and school health services.
Despite its commendable you services, the clinic faces various challenges. The foremost concern is the state of its infrastructure, which has struggled to keep pace with the growing demands of the community. Additionally, accommodation for staff remains a significant issue.
The clinic, with a bed capacity of 15, often grapples with an average of 300 monthly detentions, a situation exacerbated during the rainy season when malaria cases surge.
