Tiassalé General Hospital Open Days Shine Light on Health Care
Tiassalé General Hospital recently threw open its doors to the community, hosting informative open days aimed at familiarizing residents with the hospital’s services and addressing pressing health concerns within the city. The event, spearheaded by Dr. Eulalie Thès Dassoko, the hospital’s director, served as a platform for education and awareness about various illnesses prevalent in the region.
Empowerment through Knowledge
“We wanted to use these open days as an opportunity to not only showcase the hospital’s capabilities but also empower the community with knowledge about their health,” Dr. Dassoko explained. “Early detection and prevention are crucial, and we believe these events are instrumental in fostering a more health-conscious community.”
Expert Insights on Common Ailments
A series of expert-led conferences tackled critical health topics, ranging from high blood pressure and kidney failure to dental caries and its complications. The importance of pre-natal care, child malnutrition, and the dangers of drug use were also emphasized. Dr. Dem Niacadié, deputy director of quality at the Ministry of Health, was among the experts who shared valuable insights with the attendees.
Early Diagnosis: A Key to Better Health Outcomes
Addressing a packed prefecture meeting room, Dr. Dassoko underscored the significance of proactively seeking medical attention, even in the absence of evident symptoms. “Don’t wait until you’re severely ill to visit the hospital,” she urged. “Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and improved health outcomes.”
Multidisciplinary Approach to Care
The presenters reinforced the hospital’s commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. They assured the public that the hospital possesses the expertise and resources to handle a wide range of medical needs. They also highlighted the hospital’s ability to refer patients to specialized services when necessary, guaranteeing each individual receives the most appropriate care for their specific condition. “Our goal is to ensure that every patient feels supported and informed throughout their medical journey,” they stated.
Dispelling Fears about Cesarean Deliveries
A particularly informative segment focused on cesarean deliveries, a topic often shrouded in misconceptions. The experts sought to alleviate any fears, emphasizing that cesarean births are neither a curse nor an inevitability. Highlighting the safety and effectiveness of the procedure, they explained that roughly fifty cesarean births occur at the hospital each month, primarily to safeguard the well-being of both mother and child.
Recognition and Accolades for Excellence in Healthcare
The Tiassalé General Hospital’s dedication to quality care has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Joël Yavo Gbalé, the departmental director of health, and Assalé Essé, the sub-prefect of Tiassalé, lauded the hospital’s accomplishments, citing the high level of satisfaction expressed by both patients and staff. This commitment to excellence culminated in the hospital receiving the prestigious “best general hospital” title in Côte d’Ivoire during the 2024 Health Awards, organized jointly by the International Organization for Economic and Humanitarian Aid (OIDEAH) and the Ministry of Health. The hospital’s achievements also garnered recognition from the National AIDS Fight Program and the I-TECH organization, further solidifying their position as a leader in healthcare.
Community Appreciation
As a gesture of appreciation for the hospital’s outstanding service to the community, Ms. Felicie Yaba Kassi, the third deputy mayor, presented a gift to Dr. Dassoko on behalf of the mayor and municipal council. This gesture underscored the profound impact the hospital continues to have on the lives of Tiassalé residents.
How did the Open Days at Tiassalé General Hospital aim to empower residents regarding their health?
## Interview: Community Health Empowered at Tiassalé General Hospital Open Days
**Host:** Dr. Dassoko, thank you for joining us today. The recent Open Days at Tiassalé General Hospital generated a lot of positive buzz. What motivated the hospital to organize this event?
**Dr. Thès Dassoko:** (smiling) We saw a real need to connect with our community in a meaningful way. These Open Days weren’t just about showing off our facilities, although we are very proud of them. It was crucial for us to empower residents with knowledge about their health, to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention, and foster a more health-conscious community.
**Host:** It’s encouraging to hear that emphasis on proactive healthcare. The conference sessions covered a wide range of critical health topics, from high blood pressure to dental care and even the dangers of drug use. Did you notice any specific concerns common to the Tiassalé community?
**Dr. Dassoko:** Absolutely. We have a dedicated team at the hospital who are well-versed in the specific health challenges facing our region. Issues like kidney failure, malnutrition, and the prevalence of certain infectious diseases were recurring themes in the discussions. That’s why bringing in experts like Dr. Niacadié from the Ministry of Health was so valuable.
**Host:** You mentioned the importance of early diagnosis. Could you elaborate on why that message is so crucial for the community?
**Dr. Dassoko:** Many people wait until they are seriously ill before seeking medical attention. But by then, the condition may be more advanced and harder to treat. Early diagnosis, even if symptoms are subtle, can significantly improve outcomes.
**Host:** What would you say is the key takeaway for the community after these open days?
**Dr. Dassoko:** I would say Tiassalé General Hospital is here *for* the community. We offer comprehensive, patient-centered care, and we are committed to ensuring every individual receives the most appropriate treatment for their specific needs. We may be a general hospital, but we have the expertise and resources to handle a wide range of medical needs and, when necessary, refer patients to specialized services.
We want people to feel confident coming to us, not just when they are sick, but also for preventative care and health education.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Dassoko, for sharing your insights and for the vital work that Tiassalé General Hospital is doing for the community.