In a significant step toward promoting staff health and motivation, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) has commissioned a new sick bay at its premises.
The facility will offer first aid and basic medical attention to staff and their immediate dependents, marking a new era of health-focused workplace support.
The establishment of the sick to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council will allow workers access to medical services without leaving the premises.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, commissioned a new sick bay, the first of its kind. He mentioned a past incident showing the need for such a facility. He emphasized the importance of staff health due to their workload and said referrals will be made when necessary. The sick bay is connected to Suntreso Hospital for additional support. He assured staff they won’t need a health insurance card and encouraged them to make full use of the facility.
“After reviewing previous incidents and other concerns, it became clear that the health needs of RCC staff must be a top priority. Services here are completely free no health insurance card or payment is required for medication. The mini pharmacy is stocked with all essential drugs, also provided at no cost, so I encourage staff to make full use of the facility,” he stated.
The Chief Coordinating Director, Michael Owusu Amoako, who identified the absence of a sick bay upon assuming office, collaborated with the Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to establish the facility.
The regional coordinating director advised staff to make responsible use of the sick bay. While the facility includes beds for emergency rest and treatment, he warned against misuse.
“Although the facility provides beds for emergency rest and treatment, I urge all staff not to misuse the space as a resting place during working hours,” he said.
The Regional Internal Auditor, George Kwakye Andoh, highlighted that the sick bay also extends first aid services to children and close relatives who may be visiting the office.
He expressed concern that many staff members have not had medical check-ups in years and stressed the importance of regular health monitoring.
With 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region, this facility is part of a broader vision to improve the welfare of government employees.
Staff members, like Afia Konadu, have expressed gratitude in the establishment of the sick bay.
“We previously had no sick bay, but now we do, and we are grateful to the Regional Minister for this initiative. We hope it is sustained and that the NDC will continue to provide quality services for citizens. I also encourage my colleague staff to rally behind the Regional Minister to enable him to deliver his best for the region,” she said.
The opening of the ARCC sick bay is a milestone in prioritizing staff health and wellbeing in the public sector.
By offering free, accessible first aid services and promoting a culture of preventive healthcare, the facility is set to improve productivity and morale among workers. It stands as a model for other government institutions.
