By Nelson Ayivor
The Dzodze Ghana Mission Hospital has commemorated this year’s World Day of the Sick with renewed commitment to compassionate healthcare delivery.
The event, held on the hospital premises, brought together patients, health professionals, clergy, traditional leaders and members of the public to reflect on the importance of caring for the sick and vulnerable in society.
World Day of the Sick is observed annually on February 11, a day instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1992 to encourage prayers and solidarity with the sick and those who care for them.
Compassion at the Centre of Care
Administrator of the hospital, Mac Thompson Gbeti, in a short speech to commemorate the day, urged healthcare workers to see their profession not only as a duty but as a calling. He emphasized empathy, patience and dignity in treating patients, particularly the elderly and chronically ill. He further reaffirmed the facility’s dedication to quality healthcare despite operational challenges.
“We are committed to ensuring that every patient who walks through our doors is treated with respect and professionalism. Today reminds us that healing goes beyond medication — it includes emotional and spiritual support,” he said.
Call for Support
Mac Thompson Gbeti used the occasion to appeal to individuals, corporate bodies and non-governmental organisations to support the hospital with equipment and logistics to enhance service delivery.
Dzodze Ghana Mission Hospital serves as a major facility for several communities in the Ketu North Municipality in the Volta Region, providing maternal, child health and emergency services.
As the programme ended with prayers for the sick and their caregivers, organizers stressed that the spirit of the World Day of the Sick should not be limited to one day but reflected daily in acts of kindness, solidarity and improved healthcare services.
About Dzodze Ghana Mission Hospital (DGMH)
Dzodze Ghana Mission Hospital (DGMH) is a faith-based healthcare facility located in Kave, a suburb of Dzodze in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region, Ghana. The facility operates under the auspices of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG). It was established in 2016 by the Dzodze Ablorme Church of Christ, through the vision and dedication of their then preacher, Preacher John Morkli.
DGMH began operations as a clinic in 2016, offering basic medical services. Over the years, it expanded in scope and capacity, and in 2023, it was officially upgraded to a fully-fledged primary hospital. This milestone marked a major advancement in delivering quality, holistic, and accessible healthcare to the people of Dzodze and its environs—serving an estimated population of over 200,000 people across Ketu North, Akatsi North, Akatsi South, and neighboring areas in the Republic of Togo.
The hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and Christ-centered medical services. Founded on the pillars of Service, Integrity, and Excellence, DGMH upholds its mission of promoting health, hope, and healing through professionalism and Christian values.
Since its inception, DGMH has been duly registered and accredited by the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), among others.
DGMH continues to invest in modern infrastructure, technology, and staff development to ensure the delivery of safe, affordable, and excellent healthcare in a clean and welcoming environment.
Vision
To help people live the healthiest lives possible and to become a model health system that provides extraordinary care and superior service at an affordable cost.
Mission
Committed to serving the poor and underserved communities with holistic, high-quality, and affordable health services that reflect Christian values, while meeting the expectations of all stakeholders.
Services Provided
Dzodze Ghana Mission Hospital provides a wide range of health and community services, including:
24-Hour Service
- Out-Patient and In-Patient Care
- Laboratory Services
- Antenatal, Delivery, and Postnatal Care
- Dentistry Services
- Orthopedic & Trauma Services
- Theatre (Surgical) Services
- Pharmaceutical Care Services
- X-ray & Ultrasonography
- ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) Services
- Family Planning and Counseling Services
- Mental Health Services
- Public Health Services
- Child Welfare Services
- Preventive Health Screenings
- Immunization Programs
- Health Education and Promotion
- Community Health Assessments
- Community Outreach and Engagement
- Emergency Preparedness and Response
Best Practices
DGMH promotes a culture of excellence, faith, and continuous improvement through the following best practices:
- Patient-centered and compassionate care
- Clean and safe environment
- Regular staff capacity building
- Strong ethical standards and Christian principles
- Active community health outreach and education
- Test, Treatment, and Track (3T) Strategy
- Pregnancy School (for expectant mothers)
- Weekly Clinical Meetings
- Morning Devotions
- Weekly General Ward Rounds
Achievements
- Transitioned from a clinic to a fully-fledged Primary Hospital within five years
- Provision of free and subsidized healthcare to preachers and indigent patients
- Construction of a new Surgical Ward (soon to be operationalized)
- Establishment of an X-ray Unit with a Mobile X-ray Machine (to be operationalized)
- Recognition as a Level 3 Facility under the SafeCare Standards
Mission Work
- Partnership with West Africa Living Kingdom (WALK) in Medical and Gospel Outreach, resulting in over 650 souls baptized, 31 new congregations planted, and 1 congregation revived.
- 50% subsidy for the poor and aged in surrounding communities.
- Quarterly Free Medical Screenings in Dzodze and neighboring areas.
Future Needs
- Expand the theatre to manage more complex cases.
- Increase bed capacity to accommodate the growing number of patients.
- Launch a dedicated emergency unit and specialized departments.
- Build stronger partnerships and donor support systems.
- Continue integrating faith and healing in patient care.
- Construct an ultra-modern NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) with incubators, firefly equipment, and other essentials.
- Establish ENT Services and Dental Services.
Challenges
Despite the hospital’s growth, DGMH continues to face several challenges:
- Limited funding for equipment and infrastructure.
- Inadequate space and bed capacity during emergencies.
- Shortage of specialist doctors and medical staff.
- Delays in NHIS reimbursements.
- Maintenance burden on aging equipment.
Way Forward
- Forge stronger partnerships with health NGOs and Christian missions.
- Appeal for support from the government, donors, and benevolent individuals.
- Seek funding for infrastructure expansion, including theatre and wards.
- Continue investing in staff training and preachers’ welfare.
- Launch a sustainable charity health fund to support the poor, needy, underprivileged, and members of the Lord’s Church.
- Maintain a Christ-centered approach to healthcare delivery.
Acknowledgement
We express our profound gratitude to:
- Almighty God, for His grace and guidance.
- Mr. John Morkli, our indefatigable Director.
- Ketu North Municipal Health Directorate (MHD) for continuous coaching and support.
- Dr. Turk and Kathy (USA) for donating a 40-footer container of medical equipment.
- Lifenet International for staff training and capacity building.
- CHAG, in collaboration with SafeCare and Med4All, for ongoing technical and institutional support.
- All staff of DGMH for their dedication and hard work.
- All clients and community members for their continuous patronage and trust.
Motto
“We Treat, Christ Heals.” ✝️
