The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) on Friday, August 30, 2024, held its maiden Alumni Lecture on the theme ‘Enhancing Healthcare Delivery: The role of sustainable energy and reliable technology’ at the Cedi Auditorium.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Lydia Aziato, in her welcome address commended the President, Mr Gabriel Agbanyo, executives and patrons of UHAS Alumni for their efforts in kick starting the annual lecture.

She applauded past students that are positively projecting UHAS in the healthcare profession worldwide. In this regard, she indicated, “I am convinced our alumni will soon be among the shakers and movers of the healthcare sector both locally and globally.”

Professor Aziato said the theme for the occasion was apt in the current dispensation as the roles of energy and technology are becoming increasingly critical in improving healthcare.

As the budding university continues to grow in alumni development, one of the patrons of the UHAS Alumni, Dr Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, was strategically selected to deliver the inaugural UHAS Alumni Lecture.

Dr Apetorgbor is an energy expert and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chamber of Independent Power Producers, Ghana.

The inaugural UHAS alumni lecturer noted nothing was more fundamental to Ghana’s growth than access to efficient and uninterrupted power, especially in the healthcare sector. He asserted, “The life-saving devices that rely on the constant flow of electricity, ventilators that sustains breathing, incubators that nurture premature babies, the dialysis machines that clean blood, the vaccines and drugs that must be stored under a precise condition, all demand our collective ingenuity, resilience and unwavering commitments.”

Dr Apetorgbor made reference to the importance the World Health Organisation (WHO) attaches to energy in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 7 on good health and well-being, thus advocating for access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

The CEO of the Chamber of Independent Power Producers, Ghana, emphasised energy and technology for healthcare were not only linked to power but to public health, food security, gender equality, clean water, education, economic growth and climate change, also. According to him, it was not enough to simply identify the challenges within our healthcare system but we must forge a platform that leads to sustainable lasting solutions.

He said access to electricity was critical in healthcare, it being the bedrock on which universal health coverage must be built. He said this explains the reason the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Energy for All, launched in 2012, sets a target to universal access to clean and modern energy by 2030 and calls on us to increase efforts in energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy, placing healthcare facilities at the forefront of this mission.

Dr Apetorgbor in his concluding remarks recommended, “There is the need to provide financial support through Public Private Partnerships for renewable energy like solar.”

He also recommended capacity training on energy management to empower healthcare professionals and challenged universities to include in their curriculum power crises management programmes targeted at healthcare professionals.

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Letsa, in his remarks reiterated, “The theme is so timely and critical as we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. We must harness the power of sustainable energy and cutting-edge technology to improve quality and accessibility in the healthcare services.”

He also noted technology had revolutionised every aspect of our lives and healthcare was no exception; from telemedicine to electronic records, advanced diagnostic tools and treatment methods, technology has provided more accurate and efficient patient-centered care. He added: “Sustainable energy is not just an environmental imperative but a cornerstone of resilient healthcare systems.”

The Chairman for the lecture, Togbe Dzomatsi II, a Chief of Ho-Bankoe, who represented the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, in his remarks indicated, “We need to advance educationally in order to assure ourselves of a sustainable future.” He called for the support of all stakeholders in the energy sector to ensure a sustainable energy system for healthcare in particular and human development in general.

Mr Gabriel Agbanyo, the UHAS Alumni President, appreciated UHAS Management and all who played diverse roles in the success of the maiden alumni lecture.

In attendance were the Registrar, Madam Yaa Amankwaa Opuni; deans, directors, faculty and staff of the university, heads of government departments in the Volta Region, past and present students of UHAS, and students from second cycle institutions in the Ho township.