Summary
The management of Madamfo Specialist Hospital came up with the idea of establishing a haemodialysis unit at the hospital to serve the growing need of this service in a region of about three million inhabitants. Haemodialysis is available in only three of Ghana’s ten regions.
Opinion leaders which included the traditional rulers were approached to set up a fund to assist patients in need of dialysis since the cost involved is far beyond the financial ability of the individual. The fund is to pay for half the cost whilst the patient bears the remaining half. Personal contacts with traditional rulers, local government officials and concerned businessmen resulted in contacts with corporate bodies operating within the region, to raise funds.
The response was positive and the Fund has been established. It is under the control of a Board of Directors which excludes members of The Board of Directors of Madamfo Specialist Hospital.
Tips and lessons learned
1. Perseverance and focus on objectives is very vital to success.
2. One should adapt a selfless attitude and be seen to be sincere and transparent in the process.
3. Be patient with the sceptics and answer all questions as honestly as possible. By that confidence of the local people in the project is achieved.
Review by Wilde Ganzen Foundation
Madamfo Specialist Hospital very wisely organised radio time and the co-operation of the churches for their fundraising campaign. The impact is threefold:
1. The talks on renal disease raise the awareness of the general public.
2. The talks attract the attention of potential donors.
3. The talks can be used to thank donors who have contributed.
The Haemodialysis Fund is managed by a Board of Directors which excludes the management of Madamfo Hospital, to avoid conflicts of interest. From a fundraising point of view it is important to stress that this ensures the correct use of the funds contributed.
And finally we were pleased to learn that the Madamfo fundraisers decided to register for the online Local Fundraising course of the Change the Game Academy, to broaden their knowledge and see what can be done about donor fatigue.
Details
Short description of the organisation the funds were raised for
Madamfo Specialist Hospital started out as a relatively modest health care centre. However, under the energetic leadership of dr. Henry Atawurah, a trained surgeon/urologist and the only one to perform functional urology in Ghana, the hospital had to be enlarged twice. The latest addition - a third floor on the existing building - was officially opened on June 25, 2016. In 2005 Madamfo Specialist Hospital has been assigned NGO status. Madamfo Specialist Hospital has also been designated as a teaching hospital, closely co-operating with the University of Cape Coast.
Short description of the project or programme the funds were raised for
A Fund was established to partly pay for the treatment of haemodialysis patients at Madamfo Specialist Hospital located in Essipun of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in the Western Region of Ghana.
Objectives
To raise an initial amount which would be invested in Treasure Bills or other ventures as the Board would deem fit. As the fund grows more patients can be supported to have heamodialysis.
Targeted donors
High level contacts: traditonal rulers, local goverment directors, well-known and respected opinion leaders.
Results
| Cost/benefit |
National currency ( |
Euro |
| Total amount raised |
0 |
0 |
| (-) Total amount invested |
0 |
0 |
| Net amount raised |
0 |
0 |
Result comments
The radio stations offered air time free of charge. Dr. Atawurah and his colleagues volunteered.
Description of preparatory work
1. Contact with local radio stations to organise talks highlighting the disease burden of chronic renal failure.
2. Contact with the local churches to organise weekly health talks with more emphasis on chronic kidney disease.
3. Organisation of health talks for recognised groups such as Rail Workers’ Union, Full Gospel Men’s Fellowship, Queen Mothers’ group, etc.
Description of implementation
The local branch of Ghana Medical Association was happy to participate in the health talks. Doctors voluntarily participated in organising talks especially on radio. Dr. Atawurah took the task of health talks at the churches and also for organised groups. He also had a special slot at the local TV studio (once a month ) for a health talk.
Follow up: Donor appreciation and acknowledgement
It was decided to acknowledge the contributors without mentioning how much each had contributed on radio and by “thank you” cards.
Plans to repeat the action
The hospital noticed the first symptoms of donor fatigue and therefore decided not to repeat the action too quickly. Instead they are going to follow the online Local Fundraising course of the Change the Game Academy, in order to learn more about how to successfully approach your donors, also for repeat donations.
