With the prevailing economic conditions and the challenges caregivers go through to cater for the sick, Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, Bishop of Keta-Akatsi Diocese, reiterated the need for health workers and caregivers not to neglect the sick and the aged suffering from several ailment.
He decried instances where sick people were abandoned, unattended to and often die out of hunger. “We cannot be indifferent to the suffering of the sick” he stressed, and challenged health workers and caregivers to take greater care of the sick and assist them in the journey to their recovery.
The Bishop made these remarks during Keta-Akatsi Diocesan celebration of the 31st World Day of the Sick (WDS) at the Joseph Cramers New Look Optical Centre, Dzelukope, near Keta in the Volta Region, under the theme: “Take care of Him” Compassion As a Synodal Exercise of Healing.
He reminded the faithful and health workers about their responsibility to care for the sick and those discharged from the hospital, adding that lack of maximum care which make people lonely, causes their death.
The Bishop urged Ghanaians, especially Christians to make time to visit the sick or even knock on the door of the sick or convalescent patient to regularly check on them and ask of their well-being, noting that these little acts could go a long way to facilitate their recovery and ultimate healing.
Likewise, the Chief of Dzelukope, Torgbui Gatsiko IV commended the Catholic Church for instituting the World Day of the Sick, and stressed the need to love and care for the sick.
Stating that “since we are all susceptible to sickness” it was only proper to take greater care of sick people in our midst, show compassion to them and walk with them to recover.
In a remark, Hon. Emmauel Gemegah, Keta Municipal Chief Executive who also acknowledged the Catholic Church for its numerous contributions in education and healthcare delivery, urged the Church, which first piloted the mutual health insurance scheme in the 90s, which the State adopted to start the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), to reinstitute the scheme for the Church to augment government’s effort.
He added that the Church with its sterling leadership could even start a Bank to offer efficient banking experience just like it has done in the areas of education and healthcare provision.
As part of the celebration, Very Rev. Fr. Lt. Col. Winfred Delali Kodzo Sraha (Rtd), Keta-Akatsi Diocesan Administrator of Health praised the health workers in all the six health facilities in the Diocese for their hard work and urged them to continue giving of their best to sustain the healing ministry.
He also announced the elevation of the Joseph Cramers New Look Optical Centre, Dzelukope to the status of a Clinic and expressed appreciation to all staff who kept the dream of the founder the late Rev. Fr. Joseph Cramers SMA, alive.
Re-echoing the Pope Francis’ message for the day, Fr. Sraha noted that the WDS is an invitation for stakeholders to reflect on the life of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:35) and engage with the vulnerable lovingly.
The World Day of the Sick instituted in 1992 by Saint Pope John Paul II, aims at celebrating the sacrifices and amazing work done by Catholic healthcare organisations in the face of poverty, inequality, and pandemic.
