Story By; Mohammed Faisel Mustapha / Felix Ernest Odamtten….
As Ghana prepares for the return of thousands of international visitors and members of the diaspora for the December festivities, St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital (SMSH) in Lapaz, Accra, has announced enhanced emergency healthcare arrangements to safeguard public health during one of the country’s busiest travel and entertainment seasons.
The hospital, located along Abete Link in Lapaz, says its clinical facilities will remain on round the clock standby to provide emergency treatment and other essential healthcare services to residents, tourists and Ghanaians returning home for the holidays.
The preparations reflect the growing importance of December to Ghana’s tourism industry, as cultural festivals, concerts, family reunions, business engagements and social gatherings attract visitors from across the world. Yet, beneath the excitement lies a public health consideration that travellers and holidaymakers cannot afford to overlook: the need to remain healthy while navigating demanding schedules and unfamiliar environments.
For many visitors, the festive season offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, explore Ghana’s cultural heritage and participate in a packed calendar of activities. However, long journeys, insufficient rest, exposure to heat, inadequate fluid intake and changes in dietary habits can place additional strain on the body, increasing the risk of preventable health complications.
Dr. Genevieve Ama Brown, a Family Physician Specialist at SMSH, said the physical demands associated with travel and festive celebrations could trigger health problems, particularly among people who neglect rest and other basic health precautions.
She observed that some international visitors arrived in Ghana experiencing acute dehydration, sudden fever and dangerously elevated blood pressure, conditions that could be compounded by travel fatigue, changes in routine and the physical demands of holiday activities.
“The excitement of the festive season should never come at the expense of personal health. Travellers and holidaymakers must listen to their bodies, stay hydrated, get adequate rest and seek medical attention promptly whenever symptoms develop.”
Dr. Brown stressed that timely access to professional healthcare was essential in preventing seemingly minor complaints from deteriorating into serious medical conditions, particularly when people were moving between social engagements, travelling across the country or spending extended periods outdoors.
She advised visitors and residents to take warning signs seriously rather than dismissing unusual symptoms as ordinary tiredness or the temporary effects of celebrations. People with pre existing medical conditions, she indicated, should take particular care to maintain their prescribed treatment routines and seek appropriate medical advice when necessary.
The hospital’s preparations extend beyond emergency response to include expedited executive health screening packages aimed at diaspora returnees and other visitors who wish to assess their health during their stay in Ghana.
Dr. Laurencia Ankomah, Clinical Coordinator at SMSH, said the initiative was designed to make preventive healthcare more convenient for people working with tight travel schedules, allowing them to undergo several diagnostic investigations and consult a doctor within a single morning visit.
The screening packages will cover electrocardiograms (ECGs), cholesterol assessments, blood sugar testing, kidney and liver function tests, among other investigations considered appropriate to individual patients’ clinical needs.
According to Dr Ankomah, patients will receive digital copies of their verified clinical results within hours, enabling them to review their health status, discuss any concerns with a medical professional and pursue further evaluation or treatment where necessary before travelling back overseas.
“Our objective is to make essential health assessments accessible and convenient for visitors who may have limited time in Ghana. Early screening can help identify potential health concerns and provide an opportunity for appropriate medical follow up.”
The initiative also highlights the role of preventive healthcare in supporting international travellers, many of whom may have limited opportunities to undertake comprehensive medical assessments while managing demanding professional and personal commitments abroad.
While health screening can identify certain risk factors and abnormalities, the hospital’s broader message is that medical assessments should complement, rather than replace, timely clinical consultations when symptoms arise. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice tailored to their medical histories, travel plans and personal health needs.
To support its emergency preparedness, SMSH says it will maintain 24 hour emergency services backed by an on site pharmacy, a 20 bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and three modern surgical theatres. These facilities are intended to support the assessment and management of critical cases requiring urgent medical attention and, where necessary, surgical intervention.
The hospital’s diagnostic capacity includes an automated medical laboratory, digital imaging services and equipment for routine cardiac investigations. Its specialist services span dialysis, cardiology, obstetrics and gynaecology, dentistry, ear, nose and throat (ENT) care, and clinical dietetics, providing patients with access to a range of medical disciplines under one healthcare institution.
Madam Tina, the hospital’s Nursing Manager, reaffirmed the facility’s commitment to maintaining quality patient care throughout the festive period, whether patients require emergency treatment, specialist consultations or routine medical examinations.
She said the hospital’s readiness was intended to provide reassurance to residents and visitors who might need professional healthcare support during the celebrations, while encouraging the public to make responsible health decisions.
“We want people to enjoy the December festivities with confidence, knowing that their health matters. Our commitment is to provide compassionate and professional care, but we also encourage everyone to take preventive measures and seek help early when they feel unwell.”
As Ghana welcomes visitors for the December season, SMSH’s announcement underscores the importance of integrating healthcare preparedness into the country’s wider tourism and hospitality experience. The success of the festivities depends not only on entertainment, cultural attractions and economic opportunities, but also on the safety and well being of the people participating in them.
For travellers, practical precautions including drinking adequate safe fluids, getting sufficient rest, observing food safety, maintaining prescribed medications and avoiding excessive physical exertion can help reduce preventable health risks. Anyone experiencing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek urgent medical attention rather than delaying treatment to continue with planned activities.
For travellers, practical precautions including drinking adequate safe fluids, getting sufficient rest, observing food safety, maintaining prescribed medications and avoiding excessive physical exertion—can help reduce preventable health risks. Anyone experiencing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek urgent medical attention rather than delaying treatment to continue with planned activities.