Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has welcomed a high-level delegation from Novartis Pharmaceuticals in what both parties described as a significant step towards strengthening collaboration in healthcare delivery, research, and innovation.
The CEO of KBTH, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, expressed his delight at receiving the Novartis team, describing the company as “one of the biggest pharmaceutical firms in the world.” He extended a warm welcome on behalf of hospital management and reaffirmed KBTH’s commitment to fruitful partnerships that improve patient outcomes.
Chief Commercial Officer Sub Saharan Africa, Janine Coetsee, praised KBTH for its hospitality, adding that Ghana remains one of Novartis’ top priority markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. “While cardiovascular disease remains our primary focus, we are keen to expand into oncology and ophthalmology—fields that are particularly dear to my heart. We also play a key role in glaucoma and retina care,” she said, noting the importance of strong bilateral relations with KBTH.
Dr. Nicola Lister, Head Medical Affairs, Global Health, emphasised Novartis’ dedication to providing cutting-edge medical innovations, including access to life-changing medicines for less privileged patients. “Our mandate is to improve and extend lives, and it is a privilege to share that mission with an institution like Korle Bu,” she said.
Dr. Mwiti Makathimo, Head External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, Sub Saharan Africa, highlighted Novartis’ past collaborations with KBTH, particularly in capacity building, training, and scientific education. He stressed the company’s intention to deepen research and clinical development ties.
Chief Sustainability Officer, Kurab Zuka, expressed gratitude for the warm reception, adding that Novartis was optimistic about building a successful, long-term partnership with the hospital.
Dr. Adam outlined KBTH’s mandate to provide excellent clinical care despite longstanding challenges. The hospital has pioneered services such as dialysis and kidney transplants—currently conducted with support from visiting doctors—as part of its effort to build local expertise. KBTH is also a hub for medical research.
He acknowledged that while KBTH continues to provide critical services, the hospital faces persistent challenges, including ageing infrastructure, outdated equipment, congested facilities, limited office space and working tools for residents, as well as delayed reimbursements from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). These constraints, he noted, make it difficult for the hospital to consistently meet international standards.
However, Dr. Adam stressed that KBTH is determined to overcome these hurdles by improving diagnostic services, modernising its infrastructure to meet Western standards, and introducing a comprehensive electronic medical record system to streamline patient care. The hospital also plans to strengthen human resource development by creating more sub-specialties, expand opportunities for collaborative research, and ensure the availability of essential medicines. He added that these steps are aimed at positioning KBTH as a modern centre of excellence and at maximising potential partnerships, including with Novartis, for the benefit of the Ghanaian population.
The Novartis delegation included Aliah Davis-McHenry, Global Head Corporate Marketing; Evelyn Ofosu, Medical Affairs, Novartis Ghana; Laurent Sigismondi, Global Head Legal; and Dr Isidore Mendeng, Manager, External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, West Africa.
Also present from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital were Dr Charles Ofei-Palm, Director of Pharmacy; Aimeé Akotey, Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services; Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere, Director of Medical Services; Yehuza Jawula, Director of Human Resources; Gideon Gawuga, Acting Director of Finance; and Felicity Commey, Deputy Director of Supply Chain.
They were joined by Dr Harry Akoto, Deputy Director of Medical Services; Cynthia F. Gyakye, Deputy Director of General Services; Munir Alhassan, Director of Administration; Mustapha Salifu, Head of Public Relations; Pius Agbeviadey, Acting Deputy Director of PPME; and Gertrude Kinney, Acting Executive Assistant to the CEO.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepen collaboration in healthcare delivery and innovation for the benefit of patients in Ghana and beyond.
