Turnkey projects, also known as design-build projects, involve a contractor taking on the responsibility of designing, constructing, and commissioning a project. The contractor works closely with the client to ensure the final product meets their specifications. Turnkey projects can range from building homes to large-scale infrastructure projects like hospitals, railways, and airports.
In this article, we'll be exploring a turnkey project example that saw GE Healthcare transform Ghana's healthcare infrastructure.
Ghana is a West African country with a population of over 31 million people. The country has faced a major challenge in providing quality healthcare to its citizens, with limited access to medical equipment, supplies, and skilled healthcare professionals.
In 2008, the Ghanaian government launched a program called the "Ghana Healthcare System Strengthening Project" aimed at improving the country's healthcare infrastructure. As part of the program, GE Healthcare was awarded a turnkey project to provide modern medical equipment, training, and support for hospitals in the country.
GE Healthcare's turnkey project involved the provision of modern medical equipment for 61 healthcare facilities across Ghana. These facilities included regional hospitals, district hospitals, and community clinics.
The project scope covered the design, installation, integration, and commissioning of medical equipment that included MRI machines, CT scanners, X-ray machines, ultrasounds, and anesthesia machines. The project team also worked closely with healthcare professionals to provide training and support in the use and maintenance of the equipment.
The project took three years to complete and was funded through a $100 million facility agreement backed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
The turnkey project had a significant impact on the Ghanaian healthcare system, improving access to quality medical care for millions of people. Some of the key outcomes of the project included:
Additionally, the Ghana Healthcare System Strengthening Project saw an improvement in the ranking of Ghana's healthcare system in the World Health Organization's World Health Statistics report. The country's ranking jumped from 141 in 2000 to 118 in 2014.
GE Healthcare's turnkey project in Ghana is an excellent example of the transformative impact of such projects on infrastructure in developing countries. The project's legacy continues to be felt in Ghana, with improved healthcare outcomes and increased employment opportunities.
As countries look to improve their healthcare infrastructure, turnkey projects offer an opportunity to work with experienced partners who can deliver a comprehensive solution. With the right partnerships and funding, turnkey projects can play a vital role in improving access to quality healthcare for millions of people.
