The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced plans to construct a 300-meter walkway facility with handrails to enhance the mobility and safety of visually impaired patients visiting the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
This facility aims to provide easy access for patients to the Hospital's eye care centre and will be equipped with tactile paving and adequate lighting to ensure accessibility and safety.
The decision to undertake this road safety enhancement project follows a request from George Lutterodt, also known as Counsellor Lutterodt, a Radiologist at the eye care centre, who highlighted the need to redesign the current walkway to better meet the needs of its users.
Madam Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, CEO of AMA, announced the project after assessing the challenges faced by patients during an inspection tour of the old facility. She emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all citizens to access essential healthcare services without barriers.
The project, slated to commence in the coming months, will receive support from international partners and local stakeholders for its completion. Madam Sackey emphasized that this walkway initiative aligns with the city's agenda to build a more equitable society.
Furthermore, Madam Sackey urged drivers and motorbike riders to exercise caution to mitigate potential risks posed by excessive speeding within the hospital premises, highlighting the significant danger it poses to pedestrians, patients, and healthcare workers.
George Lutterodt commended the Mayor for her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by patients. He emphasized the necessity of pedestrian safety measures and proper walkways, especially given the hazards faced by visually impaired individuals when crossing roads and accessing healthcare facilities.
The Korle-Bu Eye Centre, also known as the “Lions International Eye Centre,” serves as a modern specialist eye centre and West African Regional Surgical Training Facility, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide comprehensive eye care services.