The Presbyterian Hospital – Garu has chalked remarkable growth in healthcare delivery, with outpatient attendance rising from 21,499 in 2023 to 39,789 in 2025, admissions increasing to 8,810, and surgeries jumping from 203 in 2024 to 1,306 in 2025.
Skilled deliveries also grew to 1,179 in 2025, with zero maternal deaths recorded. This was disclosed by the Medical Administrator of the hospital, Dr. Emmanuel Jamal Mohammed, in a speech during the Moderator’s visit.
Dr. Jamal observed that despite the hospital’s achievements, it is overwhelmed by rising demand. He therefore appealed for support to expand facilities, including plans for an ultra‑modern paediatric ward, neonatal intensive care unit, X‑ray unit, orthopaedic centre, and accident and emergency unit.
He added that security upgrades such as fencing and CCTV are also part of the hospital’s vision. Dr. Jamal commended the Acting General Manager of Presbyterian Health Services – North, Dr. Dennis Daliri, for his leadership, while praising community partners and staff for their resilience in serving even amid insecurity and ethnic conflict.
“This hospital stands as a testimony of God’s grace upon this community. Faith built the walls, compassion filled the wards, and the healing hand of God touched countless lives,” he said.
Giving a historical background, the Medical Administrator traced the hospital’s roots to 1965 when missionary doctor Dr. Oesterin moved from Bawku to Garu. He noted that the hospital has grown from a modest health centre into a 51‑bed facility serving thousands across Garu, Tempane, Pusiga, Binduri, and even patients from Burkina Faso and Togo.
He further highlighted the sacrifices of pioneers such as the late Dr. Francis Asaanah, who built an operation theatre after losing a pregnant mother due to lack of surgical care, and Rev. Ezekiel Daribi, whose leadership pushed the upgrade forward.
He also praised the BESSFA Rural Bank for refurbishing the theatre in 2024, enabling over 2,500 surgeries since then.
Dr. Jamal indicated that the hospital now boasts 175 staff, including three senior medical officers and 56 nurses, and provides services in medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, mental health, ENT, eye care, and reproductive health.
