The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and Chairman of the 37 Military Hospital Advisory Board, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, has handed over a newly installed COBAS 5800 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Machine to the 37 Military Hospital Molecular Forensic Laboratory during a brief ceremony which took place at the hospital’s Boardroom and the Molecular Forensic Laboratory on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.
The COBAS 5800 PCR Machine, procured from Roche Pharmaceuticals Limited in collaboration with the Health Crescendos Foundation and the United States Military Group, Ghana, is a compact, fully automated molecular diagnostics instrument that brings PCR-based testing to medium and small-sized laboratories.
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony, the CNS mentioned that the arrival of the machine would go a long way to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment, care and monitoring services, which stands as a clear testament to the unwavering commitment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in elevating the standard of healthcare delivery and securing better outcomes for all people living with HIV.
Rear Admiral Bessing added that aside from its extensive functions in public health and disease surveillance, the new PCR machine would greatly facilitate the operations of the Military Police in terms of extraction and amplification of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), sample testing, verification of evidence and the discharge of justice within the Military and beyond.
The CNS further thanked all the partners and stakeholders, including Roche Pharmaceuticals Ghana Limited, the United States Military Group Ghana, the National AIDS Control Programme, Health Crescendos Foundation, and individuals who made the procurement and installation of the machine a success.
A representative from Roche Pharmaceuticals Ghana, Mr Divine Agyemang Lardey, said the company was glad to have been part of the journey towards the acquisition of the COBAS 5800 PCR machine. He further stated that the machine has numerous capabilities beyond HIV viral load testing and would therefore enhance the investigation of public health-related emergencies. He concluded his remarks by expressing appreciation to the GAF for their collaboration with Roche Pharmaceuticals Limited.
In attendance at the handing over ceremony were the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff Medical of the GAF Health Services and Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Evelyn Vivian Abraham Kwabiah, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Division of the Hospital, Brig Gen Richard Naab, Chief, United States Military Group -Ghana, Lt Col Paul Corbitt, and some senior officers of the Formation as well as staff of the laboratory.
Story by: Joana Seppey
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