The St. Joseph Hospital at Effiduase in Koforidua, has been cleared of allegations of extorting monies from patients under the Operation Walk Syracuse.
In a release by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) on the findings, it described the allegations by the Media as unfounded and malicious and harmful to the integrity, image and reputation of the Hospital.
The findings further asserted that no payment or donation of US$ 100,000 was ever made to the Hospital towards surgical operations.
Following the allegations against the Hospital in August 2016, the then Minster of Health, Mr. Alex Segbefia, directed CHAG to conduct full scale investigations into the matter.
Consequently, the Chairman of the CHAG Board set up a seven-member Committee which was inaugurated on August 24, 2016, with Mr. Christopher Nartey, a retired Director of Administration at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra as its Chairman.
The release signed by Mr. Peter K. Yeboah, President of CHAG, further stated that beneficiary patients received free echocardiogram, x-rays and other laboratory tests, all at the expense of the Hospital.
The findings noted that patients paid GH¢ 1,000 each for the procedures, which comparatively cost about GH¢ 55,000 in most Hospitals in Ghana.
CHAG also stated that patients who benefitted from the operation were now healthy, happy, and enjoying functional mobility as independent persons.
The release indicated that the American Charity-Operation Walk Syracuse is returning to the same Hospital in October this year, for another batch of humanitarian and restorative surgeries for the poor and needy.
CHAG called on the general public to support its Member Institutions in discharging their duties.
The Association further appealed to stakeholders to appreciate the efforts of CHAG Health Facilities, including St. Joseph Hospital for providing charitable works of mercy for humanity.
It assured the general public that the Hospital still upholds Christian ideals of service and sacrifice and maintains fidelity to the sick and suffering, poor and needy, neglected and the marginalised.
Meanwhile, Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, Bishop of Koforidua, in a separate interview, said the allegations were indeed unfounded and malicious.
He cautioned Journalists to be circumspect in their reportage and do well to investigate information reaching them before reporting.
Mr. Valentine Bruku, Administrator of the Hospital, assured patients and clients of the facility that the Management and Staff of the Hospital were committed to delivering quality healthcare to them.
He therefore appealed to all staff and patrons to support the development of the facility.
