She said such institutions were essential in training the much-needed doctors required to serve communities across the country.

Speaking at the Sixth Congregation of the Accra College of Medicine (ACM), which also marked the institution’s 10th Anniversary, the Vice President witnessed the graduation of 23 new doctors, which was ACM’s largest cohort to date.

This year, 13 per cent of the graduating class earned distinctions in at least one clinical discipline.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the direct impact of private medical institutions on healthcare delivery, noting that ACM graduates were serving in hospitals nationwide.

Many of those graduates, she noted, were progressing into specialist postgraduate training, a testament to the strength of their foundational education.

“An army, formed here, now serves across Ghana. This is a credit to the institution and all who have been part of it,” she said.

The Vice President emphasised the expanding role of private medical education in bridging healthcare gaps and urged the new doctors to prioritise service in underserved areas.

“Many of our communities face serious gaps in healthcare access, and those best equipped to help must prioritise the duty they have chosen over personal convenience,” she charged the graduates.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang noted the opportunities that colleges like ACM offered to passionate young people who might otherwise be denied entry into public medical schools due to highly competitive cut-off points.

“By identifying and nurturing talent, private institutions complement government efforts to strengthen human resources in the health sector,” she said.

Reflecting on ACM’s decade-long journey, she noted that the college, established in 2015 as a private independent institution, was founded with a clear vision to deliver high-quality, research-driven medical training tailored to Ghana and Africa’s health challenges.

It is affiliated with the University of Ghana and accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the Medical and Dental Council.

“The seed planted a decade ago has grown into a living institution where science meets compassion and knowledge is tempered by conscience,” the Veep added.

Professor Afua Hesse, President of ACM, noted that 97 per cent of the college’s alumni were serving in hospitals and health institutions across Ghana.

She highlighted the school’s growth, saying 62 per cent of its student population is female, with investment in cutting-edge educational technologies such as the Anatomage 3D anatomy platform and Cyberpatient virtual simulation software.

Prof Hesse outlined ambitious plans for the next decade, including the launch of a Graduate Entry Medical Programme and expanded scholarship opportunities to make medical education more accessible.

A total of 65 credits were recorded across the three core disciplines of Medicine, Surgery and Community Health, underscoring the high calibre of the new medical practitioners. Ms Malegho Chelsie Jomsentuh was adjudged Valedictorian.

The concerns were raised at the Achimota Speaks event, where panelists discussed the topic: “Healthcare or Death Care.”

Former NHIA CEO Dr. Lydia Dsane-Selby highlighted systemic weaknesses, noting that despite progress in reducing infectious diseases, Ghana is struggling to manage the rising burden of non-communicable diseases due to inefficiencies and longstanding neglect.

She explained that although Ghana has eliminated diseases like measles for many years, structural gaps remain. “Ghana…I think, hasn’t had a measles case for a very long time, and when one turned up in Tamale, they had to bus in student nurses and medical doctors to see the child because we haven’t seen it for so long,” she said.

Dr. Dsane-Selby also expressed concern about inequities within healthcare delivery, stressing that even with available expertise, the underlying systems remain broken. She recalled her shock at a programme promoting pediatric stents costing $20,000 each while rural communities lack basic healthcare services.

“We cannot have policies that are only for the elite. We have to think about the rural areas and fair practice,” she said. She added that copying foreign systems without context is misguided: “There are counties in the US with all their spending, whose maternal mortality rates are worse than Chorkor. So sometimes following America is not always the way to go.”

While stressing the importance of funding, she said money alone cannot fix a dysfunctional system. “All in all, money is important. But America has shown us that money isn’t everything. The elite get taken care of. Those at the bottom are suffering. They are as bad as we are in Ghana. So there has to be a balance.”

According to her, political interference, failure to implement policies, and collapsing institutions continue to weaken the sector.

The CEO of Chiron Health Consult, William Delali Ofori, agreed that Ghana does not lack policies but rather the commitment to execute them. He argued that health facilities across the country rise or fall depending on individual effort rather than strong systems.

“We don’t know how to execute. Our facilities are poorly maintained, poorly resourced, with almost no standard operating procedures. It’s the same story from CHPS compounds to tertiary hospitals,” he said. He added that the system often resembles “death care” due to broken processes, a weak emergency response structure, and the absence of communication between ambulances and hospitals.

“When you hear an ambulance siren, it doesn’t mean the person has been rescued,” he stressed.

Consultant neurosurgeon at the Accra Medical Center, Dr. Teddy Totimeh, said Ghana must confront the reality that improving healthcare requires sustained investment, strong advocacy, and innovative domestic revenue solutions.

“In the long run, it’s all about money…we haven’t spent enough, and we won’t get back,” he noted.

He proposed a “funeral tax,” arguing that Ghana invests heavily in funerals while hospitals remain underfunded. “If we cut down the period bodies are kept in fridges and channelled that money into healthcare, it would make sense,” he said.

This collaboration is essential for equitable health care delivery across the country.

The directors say they are committed to reaching their targets, but there is no opportunity to enhance logistics to better support their efforts.

The 32nd Annual General Conference of the health directors was on the theme “Enhancing Health Security in Ghana; Innovation, Preparedness, and Workforce Well-being for a Sustainable Future “.

National Chairperson of the District Directors of Health Service Group, Justice Thomas Sevugu, says they need logistics, operational funds, and motivation to work efficiently.

According to him, if the necessary support is provided to the district-level health sector, the margin of Ghana’s health services will increase.

They are encouraging the government to take into account the conditions of service and the welfare of district directors and staff at the district level, emphasising the importance of fostering a supportive work environment for better community outcome.

The Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr.Fred Adomako-Boateng, applauded the district health directors for their efforts in growing the health sector.

He urged the directors to help minimise pandemic and other deadly diseases at the district level to reduce their impact.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene assured the District Directors that the government will provide the necessary support, especially enhancing the CHPS compounds and funding at the district level.

He stated that ten percent of these funds will be allocated to Primary Health Care to meet demand.

He also assured the previous government’s initiatives like the Agenda 111 and other health infrastructure projects will be completed on time.

Speaking at the 2025 Africa Health Sovereignty Summit on Tuesday, August 5, Mahama stressed that health plays a vital role in driving productivity and inclusive economic growth.

“We must stop viewing health as a drain on the economy. It is, in fact, a powerful engine for job creation, reducing inequalities, and preserving the dignity of every citizen,” he stated.
“Health is wealth. Let’s reframe the economies of wellbeing.”

He further challenged economists to reconsider the way national accounts are calculated, advocating for the recognition of healthcare as a productivity multiplier rather than merely a cost of consumption.

According to him, this mindset shift is essential to unlocking sustainable financing and driving innovation across Africa’s health systems.

The summit brought together health experts, policymakers, and development partners to discuss strategies for advancing Africa’s health sovereignty and ensuring health investments lead to meaningful socio-economic transformation.

Source: AdomOnline

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The donation was formally received by Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, the Member of Parliament for Techiman North and Minister of Trade and Industry, during a brief ceremony held at the foundation’s office in Accra.

Lordina Mahama, president and founder of the Lordina Foundation, underscored the organization’s commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

“The Lordina Foundation is dedicated to uplifting deprived children and women in both rural and urban areas, with a focus on promoting quality healthcare, education, and overall well-being,” she stated.

“This donation embodies our belief in collaborative efforts to foster sustainable development within Ghana’s health sector.”

Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the generous donation, stating, “This contribution from the Lordina Foundation will play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in our healthcare system. It reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of our people.”

She added, “We are confident that these invaluable resources will significantly empower healthcare professionals in the Techiman constituency and surrounding communities, enabling them to deliver superior care to those in need.”

This donation is part of the Lordina Foundation’s broader initiative to modernize under-resourced health facilities in the region, ensuring that medical professionals are equipped with the necessary tools to provide high-quality, life-saving care to patients.

The donated items include hospital beds, delivery beds, incubators, theatre lights, phototherapy machines, baby scales, syringes, gloves, trolleys, wheelchairs, and commodes. Additional equipment includes baby cots, baby carts, medical screens, baby baths, bed cabinets, and overhead tables.

The Lordina Foundation’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery is a testament to its mission of fostering a healthier and more equitable society for all Ghanaians.

Over the years, the foundation has donated a substantial amount of essential medical equipment to numerous health facilities across Ghana.

Notably, the Lordina Foundation’s maternity and child ward projects in Bole, Nkoranza South, and Bodom, along with the recent rehabilitation and expansion of the Hohoe Adabraka health facility, stand out as significant health interventions led by Lordina Mahama and the foundation.

Source: AdomOnline

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This facility aims to enhance healthcare delivery for law enforcement personnel and the surrounding communities.

The Police Hospital was fully financed under the welfare scheme of the police service. This strategic investment underscores the dedication to providing exceptional healthcare for officers and their families, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

Interior Minister, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, expressed pride in the police service for establishing a facility that provides comfort regarding health services.

He commended the combined strength, vision, and commitment of the police scheme.

The Minister said the government is committed to ensuring the hospital is equipped with essential materials and maintained to a higher standard.

He announced the commissioning of the Tamale Police Hospital, being constructed by the government by the end of the year.

Mubarak Muntaka is confident the direct recruitment of medical staff for both the Kumasi and Tamale police hospitals will ensure that both facilities operate at full capacity.

He also announced an increase in the police welfare fund to ensure officers have sufficient funds upon retirement.

The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, stated that the facility will serve police officers, their families and the general public.

The hospital will collaborate with the Ghana Police Service to facilitate the processing of armed suspects in a manner that minimizes disruption to medical staff, other patients, and police operational duties.

DCOP Teye-Cudjoe emphasized their ongoing commitment to supporting and serving the country.

Charged with the demanding responsibility of delivering meaningful patient care amidst adversity, these professionals strive to use their skills to help as many people as possible, without compromising their own financial well-being. Yet, in a low-resource setting, this balance is difficult to achieve and often feels insurmountable.

The authors recall moments from medical school when students could not fully grasp the daily struggles patients face, nor appreciate the silent burdens carried by their senior colleagues, the frustrations, the limitations, and the quiet longing for better systems that could truly enhance their impact in our setting.

Then life came full circle, and they found themselves in the same shoes, struggling with the very inequities they had once observed from a distance. Working at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as a medical officer, the honour of serving at such a revered institution was overshadowed by a harsh reality: the salary alone was not enough to sustain a decent livelihood, let alone reflect the dignity of the role.

Like many others, they were forced to take on additional work at other private hospitals, juggling long hours simply to meet the expectations of society.

But it was not just the financial strain that weighed on them. It was the emotional toll, the stories behind the eyes of their patients. They looked at us as gods, all-knowing, all-powerful, the final stop in their journey of pain and uncertainty. And yet, too often, we felt powerless. Referring patients to other facilities, only to have them face the infamous “no bed syndrome,” or watch them suffer because we lacked the life-saving devices needed in emergencies, it was heart-wrenching. These were not just statistics. These were human lives. Families. Dreams abruptly ended.

We went home many nights heavy with sorrow, haunted by what could have been done, what should have been possible, if only we had the tools. But when things go wrong, it is often the doctors who are remembered, not the circumstances that failed us all.

When we transitioned to further our education abroad, in a country where healthcare infrastructure is far more robust, the contrast was jarring. Patients there are offered an array of confirmatory tests and options.

Clinicians operate in systems that empower rather than limit them. And for the first time, we saw what was possible when care is supported by resources. This journey has changed us, not just as doctors, but as people. It has deepened our empathy, sharpened our resolve, and stirred a quiet determination to be part of a change that our healthcare system so desperately needs.

Today, we pause to reflect on the incredible journey of Ghana’s healthcare system, a story shaped by resilience, innovation, and the relentless dedication of those who serve within it. With limited funding and resources, our health professionals, often unsung heroes, have gone above and beyond to care for over 33 million people. From using plastic bottles for CPAP machines to improvising with kerosene lanterns during deliveries, they have shown what true innovation looks like in the face of adversity.

At the heart of this transformation lies a shift toward sustainable, locally driven solutions. Ghana’s move away from the old “cash and carry” system and toward the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) marked a turning point in reducing financial barriers to care.

Though challenges remain, especially in enrolling the most vulnerable, this system laid a foundation for broader access to healthcare. Decentralization has further empowered local health teams to prioritize, design, and implement interventions tailored to their communities.

The Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative has brought healthcare directly to the doorsteps of rural Ghanaians, ensuring no one is left behind. Walk-in access to care, without the burden of long wait times, has made early detection and treatment more accessible than in many higher-income countries.

The introduction of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Ghana has become a beacon of evidence-based policymaking in Africa. From childhood cancers to COVID-19, HTA has supported smarter investment in high-impact health interventions, helping leaders make better use of scarce resources.

Still, disparities persist. Uneven resource distribution, limited infrastructure, and the digital divide threaten progress. To close these gaps, investment in local capacity, digital health tools, and solar-powered CHPS compounds must be accelerated. Ghana can also learn from global best practices, drawing inspiration from nations like the UK and the Netherlands, where tax-based or compulsory insurance systems have made healthcare affordable and accessible for the majority.

But above all, we must recognize the human spirit behind this evolution. From physicians to nurses to community health workers, these are the hidden jewels of our health system. Their sacrifices and ingenuity sustain us, and their stories light the path forward.

In honouring them, we honour our future and commit to building a healthcare system worthy of the people it serves.

About the Authors:

Dr. Denise Eke Chukwu is a dedicated clinician with over six years of impactful service in both the public and private healthcare sectors in Ghana. She has transformed lives through her work in remote, underserved communities. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, she is specializing in Health Leadership and Management. With additional certifications in Humanitarian Health, Health Finance and Management, and Leadership in Public Health, Dr. Eke Chukwu continues to drive systemic change, championing equitable access to healthcare across the nation.

Dr. Simon Egyin is a general physician from Ghana and a Master of Public Health student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With a strong passion for genetics and cancer research, Dr. Egyin has also explored the field of Health Security. He is deeply committed to serving underserved communities and improving healthcare systems worldwide.

Nicemode Charles is from Morogoro, Tanzania, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Economics from Agnes Scott College. Nicemode is passionate about improving access to innovative therapies for patients in underserved communities by using multidisciplinary, evidence-based approaches that incorporate the lived experiences of patients. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and exploring new cities.

Dr. Yvonne Appau Mensah is a General Practitioner and a current Master of Public Health student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With extensive clinical experience in both public and private healthcare settings in Ghana, she has developed a deep understanding of the challenges posed by infectious diseases in resource-limited environments. Her academic pursuits are driven by a strong commitment to advancing evidence-based strategies for disease prevention, outbreak response, and health equity. Dr. Mensah is particularly interested in leveraging epidemiological research and data-driven interventions to address global health challenges, especially those affecting underserved populations.

Dr. Albert Ekow Orhin is a trained physician from Ghana who is currently pursuing a master degree in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He has spent most of his clinical career in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, where he led and contributed to quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing preventable harm, enhancing sepsis care, and strengthening care coordination. His career goal is to become a physician-scientist specializing in infectious diseases, combining clinical care with research to drive innovations in patient outcomes and health systems improvement, particularly for underserved populations.

“…Whether you like it or not, health is expensive and when they go abroad, they pay through the nose, so why can’t we develop it here? If the President is unwell and is admitted to UGMC or Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, what will happen? Are there no competent doctors to look after them? There are…”

These sentiments are not new, and perhaps their re-emergence is to drive home the call for Ghana to invest heavily in the health sector to make the country the premier medical tourism hub for the West African sub-region.

Interestingly, successive governments have been discussing the concept of making Ghana a medical tourism destination, but what remains is actualising the dream of benefiting from the projected $55.83 billion medical tourism market, according to Statista 2025.

Canada, Singapore, Japan, Spain, the UK, Dubai, and India are ranked among the top medical tourism destinations.

In Africa, South Africa is the leader as a medical tourist destination. Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt are prominent in North Africa, attracting European patients. Kenya is also making strides in East Africa, with not much happening in West Africa.

The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is attracting some foreign clients for heart surgeries, but in the larger scheme of things, much more needs to be done to stop Ghanaians and other Africans from travelling outside the continent for such services and to attract more clients from outside Africa.

Ghana’s Potential

Ghana has significant potential to become a thriving medical tourism destination due to its strategic location. The country’s geographical position – close to the Prime Meridian and the Equator – near the centre of the Earth, makes it a convenient destination for medical tourists from Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, with relatively short flight times compared to other medical tourism hubs.

Also, the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), arguably a regional aviation hub, offers direct and connecting flights from major global cities, with the country’s warm temperature all year round aiding post-treatment recovery for patients from colder regions who seek a stress-free healing environment.

With the growing demand for wellness and alternative medicine, Ghana’s natural resources, including its serene environment, herbal medicine expertise, and wellness retreats, provide opportunities for medical tourists seeking holistic treatments.

Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and vibrant tourism industry can complement medical tourism by offering a holistic experience for international patients and their families.

The country’s Oxygen City, Ho, provides fresh air, natural landscapes, and a relaxing atmosphere that enhances recovery and promotes wellness tourism.

Medical tourists can explore other sites across the country while receiving care.

According to the Ghana Tourism Authority, more than 1.1 million tourists visit the country annually, providing significant economic, healthcare, and socio-cultural benefits to the country.

Should the country offer high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries and established medical tourism destinations, it would become an attractive alternative for medical tourists.

Another strength is the country’s experienced consultants and specialists across the world who could be encouraged to return to help develop and grow niche areas for medical tourism.

Benefits

Medical tourism boosts foreign exchange earnings because medical tourists bring in foreign currency, which helps strengthen the economy and support national development.

Increased demand for medical services will lead to more investments in hospitals, clinics, and advanced medical equipment, as well as the expansion of the healthcare system.

Growth in medical tourism will also create thousands of jobs in healthcare, hospitality, transport, and tourism-related sectors, helping to address the country’s unemployment challenge.

Government’s Intervention

The encouraging news is that the Government has promised to diversify tourism to include health/medical tourism and pledges to expand infrastructure and systems and promote strategic branding.

Interestingly, in its first budget, the Government states it will give significant attention to medical tourism, finalising, publishing, and implementing the Medical Tourism Policy and Strategy.

“In this regard, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital will be refurbished into an ultramodern quaternary specialist hospital to reduce reliance on medical care and training abroad.

“Additionally, Ho Teaching Hospital will be upgraded to provide comprehensive specialist services, improving regional access to advanced medical care.”

Ho Teaching Hospital

The Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), strategically located to serve the people of the Volta Region and beyond, with a vision to become a medical tourist centre through innovative healthcare, is already patronised by clients from neighbouring Republic of Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.

Recently, the Hospital commissioned five new facilities, including a family health centre, a pharmacy complex, and an HTH Annex to enhance healthcare delivery.

The Ho Teaching Hospital Annex is nestled in a lush, green, and serene environment, offering a peaceful and healing atmosphere for patients, visitors, and medical professionals alike. Surrounded by well-manicured gardens, towering trees, and vibrant tropical plants, the Annex blends modern healthcare excellence with nature’s tranquillity.

The Hospital’s expansive green spaces provide a calming retreat, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

Patients recovering from treatment can enjoy fresh air, soothing natural scenery, and a quiet ambience that enhances the healing process. The chirping of birds, gentle rustling of leaves, and a well-maintained landscape create an oasis of comfort and relaxation, setting it apart as an ideal destination for wellness and medical tourism.

With its eco-friendly design and spacious walkways, the Ho Teaching Hospital Annex is not just a healthcare facility—it’s a sanctuary where nature and medicine come together to foster holistic healing.

While this is encouraging, it is important that the Government helps these hospitals undergo international accreditation processes to boost trust and build brand visibility.

The government must also introduce favourable medical travel policies to encourage clients to choose Ghana for medical tourism.

A Coordinating Unit should also be created within the Ministry of Health to facilitate the health tourism agenda.

An Agency with appropriate legislation (Act of Parliament and its corresponding Legislative Instrument) can also be created to manage the fast-growing sector.

Conclusion

With the right investments in healthcare infrastructure, international accreditation, and marketing/branding, Ghana can become the medical tourism destination in Africa.

By leveraging its affordability, quality care, and tourism appeal, the country can attract a growing number of medical travellers seeking world-class treatment in a welcoming and culturally rich environment.

The Writer is the Medical Tourism Coordinator, Ho Teaching Hospital.

Speaking at the launch of the Strategic Health Infrastructure Plan, he emphasised that despite financial constraints, the government is committed to strengthening primary healthcare and ensuring universal health coverage.

The Ministry of Health as part of efforts to bridge the infrastructure gap in the healthcare sector, introduced the Agenda 111 project, aimed at transforming Ghana’s health infrastructure.

Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organisation country representative, Dr Angela Ackon, stressed the importance of adopting disruptive technologies to enhance the healthcare system and meet international standards.

“Universal health coverage is grounded in the principle that appropriate infrastructure is essential. Health facilities that are well maintained, properly furnished, and offer local populations a sense of security encourage people to seek medical care with confidence.

“However, in many countries, the infrastructure supporting health care remains minimal or substandard. By investing in health care infrastructure today, we can reform systems and create a foundation for sustainable health care delivery.”

The Ghana Health Service has identified staff accommodation as a major challenge in rural areas.

Dr Okoe-Boye highlighted that Agenda 111 exemplifies the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare, with plans to build over 80 district hospitals nationwide.

“Agenda 101 is one of the clearest examples of how harmonizing projects can create equity and ensure universal health coverage. We are building over 80 district hospitals, same design across the country,” he added.

To successfully meet Sustainable Development Goal 3, Ghana must provide universal health coverage for all.

The arrival of a fully equipped mobile clinic will enable HopeXchange medical Centre to soon roll out mobile health care services to augment its medical outreach.

With the support from the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) grant program of USAID, the medical facility is aided to reach underserved and remote communities, ensuring equal access to quality health care.

For more than a decade, HopeXchange Medical Centre has been one of the beneficiaries and a partner of the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) grant program of USAID.

Through the unique partnership, the hospital serves the Ashanti region and Ghana with an American inspired tripartite approach in clinical care, medical education and translational research.

Through the generous support of ASHA/USAID, HopeXchange will receive a fully equipped mobile clinic to begin mobile health care services.

The mobile clinic will bridge healthcare delivery access for poor, needy, and vulnerable people needing critical medical assistance in remote areas.

General Manager, of HopeXchange Medical Centre, Dominic Osei- Kofi says the partnership with ASHA/USAID has made HopeXchange a hub of medical training and quality delivery in the region.

“HopeXchange became a premiere hospital endowed with state-of-the-art American technology and expertise. A crowning achievement of the ASHA/USAID partnership is the construction of state-of-the-art Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCHC) which when completed will contribute immensely to the provision of needed health care for mothers and children especially, neonates in the country. The Centre will also advance the training of health care professionals and students in maternal and child health,” he said.

USA leading faculty members from Yale University, Mayo Clinic and others are actively involved in research, transfer of knowledge and American inspired hospital Standard Operation Practices (SOP’s) at the facility.

HopeXchange expressed a heartfelt appreciation to the U.S. government and corporate individuals for the remarkable contribution to the Ghana health sector through ASHA/USAID grants.

“Improving quality is about making healthcare safe, effective, patient- centered, timely, efficient and equitable.  It’s about giving the people the necessary information about their condition, providing them the resources and skills to solve them.

“Quality improvement requires that activities are planned and carried out systematically and continuously against the standards that we have set and also ensure that monitoring and evaluation is a core part of our business,” he said.

Dr. Offei was sharing his thoughts with beneficiaries of the second cohort of the Quality Healthcare Improvement course by the Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative, KNUST in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.

The former Ashanti and Cape Coast regional health director praised the Collaborative for the successes clinched since its inception.

“So much has been done within this short period. It’s very commendable. The Collaborative work is really an impactful programme,” he said.

Twenty health professionals have been selected to take part of the Quality Healthcare Improvement short course by the Health Employment pillar of the collaborative.

The course, which is in partnership with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of Toronto, seeks to equip health personnel with the requisite strength and capacity to meet the growing demand for primary healthcare in the health centre.

Dr. Margarita Kleopatra Lam Antoniades who led a team of facilitators from the University of Toronto to Ghana, was excited about the progress made by beneficiaries in the first cohort.

“What I realized with the wonderful students is that I see that passion and vision in Ghana,” she said.

Registrar of KNUST, Mr. Andrews Kwasi Boateng encouraged the participants to take “full advantage of the opportunity to learn from each other and to build a network of professionals committed to quality improvement”.

Representatives from the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), and the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHAFoG) engaged in discussions with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to strategize the integration of these initiatives into Ghana’s Universal Health Coverage framework.

The collaborative effort seeks to transition the focus of healthcare delivery from primarily curative measures to proactive preventive and promotive interventions.

The initiative targets a range of health challenges including communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and overall wellbeing.

The Director-General of the GHS, Dr. Patrick Kumah-Aboagye, underscored the significance of this partnership, particularly in light of the GHS’s establishment of Wellness Clinics across the nation in 2020.

He expressed confidence that aligning with the NHIA’s preventive health approach would yield sustainable healthcare outcomes for communities nationwide.

CHAG’s Executive Director, Dr Peter Yeboah, hailed the collaboration as a transformative endeavour, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Ghana.

He stressed the importance of genuine commitment and effective partnership between the NHIA and healthcare providers to ensure the success of the program.

Representatives from the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana also echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the vital role of innovation and public-private partnerships in advancing healthcare goals.

The Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, affirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to implement preventive and promotive health interventions.

He highlighted the anticipated positive impact of these initiatives on Ghana’s healthcare system, including the potential for long-term reductions in NHIA claims payments.

The discussion was moderated by the Former Deputy Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) and chairman of the facilitating committee, Dr. Anarfi Asamoa-Baah ensuring a constructive and productive exchange of ideas.

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The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is working on a mobile application which makes it easy for underserved communities to access healthcare.

The mobile application which is being developed under the MESTI mHealth Project can operate with or without internet. It has two sections: A part for ordinary Ghanaians and a place for medical personnel.

The app would be used to gather data on disease symptoms which will then be analysed by the medical personnel for swift mediation.

To address language barriers, the app is equipped with language translation features.

Beyond this, users can seek virtual consultation and emergency care among others.

The app, jointly developed by KNUST Colleges of Health Sciences and Science is funded by (International Development Research Centre (IDRC) through the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology (MESTI) and Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGC IOSRS).

At a stakeholder consultation, Principal Investigator of the project, Rose-Mary Owusuaa Mensah Gyening, PhD said the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3.

“If we achieve goal 3, it’ll definitely trickle down to the other goals. We want to ensure a healthy life for all especially marginalized communities,” he said.

Project co-Investigator, Emmanuel Ahene (Ph.D) added: “In almost every region in Ghana, you’d realise that there are people who have limited access to healthcare and they are our target.”

KNUST vice-chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson charged the scientists to partner other colleges to give the project a sociological touch.

According to him, given the amount of money allocated to the health sector, hospitals in Ghana should be well-resourced with all the equipment needed to operate and handle major health issues.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on February 1, he said “If you look at the amount of money that comes into the health sector in a year, we should be doing better than this, and I blame everybody, including the politicians, including the technocrats who are supposed to advise the politicians and probably the whole country, because we start certain things and we do not ask questions; we are just happy we started them.”

He was reacting to a recent JoyNews documentary titled “Sick Hospitals.” The documentary revealed that the Effia Nkwanta Hospital for instance, lacked basic equipment, including a defibrillator.

Mr Nawaane added that the persistent issues in the health sector were due to a lack of transparency and accountability in the use of health sector funds.

On the same show, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Health Committee in Parliament, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, blamed the situation on the government’s ambitious Agenda 111 hospital initiative.

He argued that despite $200 million already spent on the initiative, not a single hospital bed has been added to existing hospitals.

Mr Akandoh stressed that the money could have been better spent on improving existing hospitals and ensuring they have the necessary facilities and resources.

“Since we started, we spent almost $200 million on Agenda 111, and we have not added a single bed in terms of the number of beds in the country. We have not been able to do that, so we ask ourselves, what are our aims?

“What do we want to solve? And you realize that, as a nation, honestly speaking, we are not putting our priorities right. We are simply getting everything wrong, and we are applauding when we should be condemning. This is what is happening in the country in the health sector,” he stated.

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He explained that our leaders seem unbothered and take unthoughtful decisions regarding our healthcare system because they go for regular check-ups in other countries, which they believe to be well-designed and effective and trust that they will be given the best healthcare.

“I struggle when people tell me that our leaders are not subject to our health system, the truth is they are subject to our health system, but they don’t know. The truth of the matter is this, for management of their chronic ailment, they can go abroad and do it, we hear it every time, the Speaker is going here, the President is going there, and we hear it,” he said.

However, Dr Asiedu who is also a Democracy and Development fellow for Health at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD Ghana) said our leaders seem to forget that they will still be subject to our health system in times of emergency.

Speaking on Joy FM, he mentioned some prominent leaders who resorted to the Ghanaian healthcare system because they were vulnerable and had no choice out of which some unfortunately lost their lives.

“But that’s the reality, we were here when the President in an emergency like that was subject to the health system, we’ve seen a number of prominent statesmen not being able to be flown out, we’ve seen the Vice President, it is very naive if they think they are not subject to the health system,” he said.

Unfortunately, it is rather these emergency cases that are likely to snatch lives and not the routine checkups the leaders travel to; therefore, he urged government officials and leaders to tackle and fix our bad health system and stop thinking they are not affected.

“The dangerous part for me is that when they’re subject to the health system, they are at their most vulnerable, and that is even scary.”

“So it is even more important for them to fix the health system because they use other health systems that are thriving, that are well designed for their routine stuff, but those health systems would not be available for their emergency stuff.”

“And more often than not it’s the emergencies that take you out not the routines,” he said.

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This groundbreaking program equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to implement the internationally recognized SafeCare Standards and drive the wheels of quality improvement (QI) methodology.

Through comprehensive assessments and ratings, these trained assessors identify quality gaps and areas needing improvement and support facilities in implementing improvement activities or programs.

As a result, participating healthcare providers can elevate their standards of care and continuously establish themselves as trusted providers of high-quality care.

A Journey of Impact

The program initially trained Technical Quality Officers from Marie Stopes International Ghana, who successfully utilized the SafeCare Standards and Methodology to enhance services within the social franchise network.

Since then, healthcare professionals from partner organizations such as Sanford World Clinic, University of Ghana Medical Center, New Cristal Health Services, (Care Point) Africa Health Holdings, and the Christian Health Association of Ghana have also undergone training as assessors.

These assessors are spread across all the regions in Ghana, collectively supporting about 700 healthcare facilities that see over seven million people annually.

  “It is an eye opener for us as CHAG…..we didn’t know much as to what was happening in our facilities. Now we know the simple but important things we can do to improve the quality of healthcare” One assessor with the Christian Health Association of Ghana noted.

The SafeCare Assessor Training Program follows a structured approach consisting of three phases after a standardized and rigorous selection of professionals.

In the first phase, trainee assessors establish a solid foundation through intensive face-to-face sessions that delve into theoretical concepts related to healthcare quality management, standards, and tools for improvement.

The second phase focuses on applying this knowledge in real-healthcare facility assessments under the guidance of a mentor, with continuous feedback and a post-training test.

The final phase aims to solidify expertise by conducting independent but remotely supported assessments in at least five healthcare facilities.

Successful completion marks their journey with the esteemed title of a licensed SafeCare assessor and a QI facilitator.

Each year, a qualified SafeCare assessor must attend a refresher training and conduct at least five facility assessments to maintain the SafeCare assessor license.

This immersive training experience equips assessors with a comprehensive understanding of the SafeCare Standards and Methodology and essential soft skills required for effective assessments, instructive reporting, and impactful feedback.

By revolutionizing their approach to assessing quality healthcare service delivery, these assessors can identify areas for improvement and develop quality improvement plans (QIPs) to support healthcare facilities on their quality improvement journeys.

Elevating Excellence, Transforming Care

Overall, the SafeCare assessor training program is transforming the healthcare landscape in Ghana by empowering assessors to drive quality improvement initiatives.

With about 700 healthcare facilities currently benefiting from comprehensive assessments and QI facilitation, the program has helped the facilities to successfully identify areas for improvement and implement tailored initiatives for improvement.

The impact, according to the assessors and providers, has been remarkable, with a reduction in adverse events, increased patient satisfaction, and significant operational and business performance.

These achievements highlight the program’s commitment to enhancing the quality of care and driving positive change in Ghana’s healthcare system.

Beyond Assessors’ ability to identify areas for improvement and support the implementation of improvement initiatives, they have gained holistic expertise in healthcare management.

This broader perspective has enhanced their ability to assess and evaluate healthcare facilities, leading them to revise their work approaches and collaborate more effectively with their teams.

A Tapestry of Positive Change

The training has empowered assessors to advocate for resources and improvements in healthcare facilities.

Through their expertise and data-driven assessment reports, certified assessors have played a vital role in driving tangible outcomes and guiding facilities toward value-based care.

This data-driven advocacy has revolutionized resource allocation and improvement efforts, resulting in notable improvements in infrastructure, equipment, staffing, operational and care processes.

Certified assessors have become invaluable resources for healthcare facilities, helping to institutionalize quality improvement in our healthcare system aligned with international standards.

This shift towards value-based care ensures that patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care focused on improving health outcomes.

Moreover, the program has empowered assessors to take on leadership roles within their facilities and the broader organizations.

They have become advocates for change, leading initiatives and reforms that improve the quality of care. As a result, patients receive better care that meets international standards.

Fostering a Culture of Excellence and Higher Sense of Professionalism

The comprehensive understanding of healthcare management gained by certified assessors catalyzes their professional growth and career advancement.

Continuous professional development credit points provided through the training contribute to the renewal of professional licenses and keep assessors updated with the latest developments in the field.

This increased knowledge and thirst for advancement is contributing to the overall improvement of the healthcare system. An assessor said, “We now have someone who manages health and safety, the quality improvement teams now have more defined roles and have selected people with the requisite skillset in quality management.”

The impact of the SafeCare assessor training program extends beyond individual facilities. Assessors collaborate and share insights, experiences, and innovative approaches to quality improvement, contributing to a broader network of healthcare providers committed to enhancing the standard of care across the healthcare system.

This collaboration fosters a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing, benefiting the entire healthcare system in Ghana.

Another SafeCare assessor said, “I have set up a quality management team, which didn’t exist before I took the SafeCare Assessor Training Program. We are now at level 4”

The SafeCare assessor training program demonstrates sustainable scaling of embedding healthcare quality improvement, assuring a way for more healthcare facilities to participate and benefit from the SafeCare healthcare quality improvement program.

In conclusion, the SafeCare Assessor Training Program isn’t just a training endeavor; it’s a legacy of excellence.

By empowering healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge to champion quality, the program is ushering in an era of elevated standards, improved patient outcomes, and trusted providers of quality care.

The program possesses the potential to drive significant health system change, improve patient outcomes, and develop a robust healthcare system towards the attainment of universal healthcare goals in Ghana

He said through strategic partnerships with international not-for-profit organizations like PharmAccess Group, HeFRA is working hard to finish the ‘decentralization journey’ making sure that the regional offices can provide support by monitoring other facilities in the region.

According to him, there are plans to continue improving the processes where he can, and looks forward to a continued partnership with PharmAccess.

PharmAccess, he said, is “strongly linked to healthcare standards, and access to quality care.”

According to Dr Bannor, PharmAccess engages and partners with the right stakeholders, helping HeFRA to achieve the strategic goal of access to quality of care in Ghana.”

The Registrar of HeFRA, Ghana’s healthcare regulatory body said when it comes to our health care, all people want to know is how and where we can receive the best possible care, but the absence of data to enable citizens to make informed health-seeking decisions is a source of worry.

According to him, the problem stems from the lack of a singular national system that assesses all health care providers through the same set of standards.

“This leaves citizens choosing their doctors based on advertisements rather than data,” he observed.

Dr Bannor and HeFRA need data. It is against this backdrop to help manage and collect that vital data, that HeFRA launched a Mobile Online Information System (MOIS).

Among other things, this platform collects and organizes information on every step of the inspection to license pipeline. 

Dr Bannor said he was dedicated and well-positioned, to address the problem thoroughly.

He said before opening a health facility in Ghana, HeFRA is required to carry out an inspection and provide a license, confirming the facility reaches acceptable safety and quality requirements.

HeFRA also inspects the availability of certified staff and ensures everyone who operates medical equipment has the necessary license.

HeFRA, therefore, plays a critical role in establishing a health system in Ghana that is well-functioning and safe for those that visit or work in health facilities.

“I don’t know where I would be without data,” said Dr Bannor.

“We would never want to go back to the slow, paper-based system of the past. Soon, HeFRA hopes to integrate information systems with other health and government agencies, further expanding its potential.

Whether you are dealing with diabetes, cardiac issues, or search for an obstetrician, Dr Bannor said, “you need access to objective information on where to find the true expert.”

Once this information becomes publicly available, Dr Bannor thinks competition will increase, and the level of care will improve alongside it. 

One area where we have already seen the value of data has been throughout the Covid crisis.

He said stakeholders in the health delivery value chain have already been surprised by some data insights.

For example, during the height of the pandemic in Ghana, authorities expected an increase in demand for hospital resources.

In reality, however, there was actually a decrease. HeFRA found through their collection of data that many people were avoiding or postponing visits to hospitals and clinics.

“That is why you need data to inform the government of what they need to do,” he explained.

Apart from digitalization, data collection, and access to information, HeFRA has worked vigorously to make the organization more efficient to reduce bottlenecks. 

HeFRA can potentially regulate over 13,000+ facilities in the country, and until a few years ago, much of the work and decision-making was concentrated between head office and a few smaller regional offices.

To improve the workflow, HeFRA opened additional regional offices and decentralized its decision-making process.

With more eyes and ears in the field, monitoring becomes better manageable, limited resources are spent more effectively, and communication lines are shortened.

Dr. Bannor also worked on formalizing and harmonizing assessment standards that were used by different health agencies in the country. 

PharmAccess supported this ‘efficiency journey’ with a detailed management review, evaluating whether management systems were performing as intended and producing the desired results as efficiently as possible.

“A tedious job, for which we are very thankful,” Dr Bannor said. 

Looking at the future, Dr Bannor said he hoped Ghana will soon be able to match its demand for health care with quality providers. 

“Imagine you are struggling with mental health issues and you feel that no one is taking care of you at a moment you really need it, it means you will lose the trust in the system,” he observed

To solve this, he said it was time to broaden the availability of care by giving more leeway to the private sector.

The HeFRA boss says “The private sector can fill a gap and help us, ensuring that people do not have to wait long to receive care. But evidently, quality assessments remain critical, and we need to assess private facilities with the same standards as used in the public sector.”

PharmAccess focuses on the root causes that hamper health care financing and investments towards equitable and quality health care in sub-Saharan Africa. Working as an innovator and catalyst for pragmatic solutions that can be adopted, adapted, and scaled by partners.

Of those infected, six have died — five were engaged in active clinical practice, a health adviser for the office of the president said.

“I want to be clear,” Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare said to CNN on Thursday.

“The number of those infected is a cumulative figure and not a number that was a result over a short period of time.”

Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, could not specify exactly how 2,000-plus health care workers became infected but initially, he said, the country faced personal protective equipment shortages that made it difficult for workers to adequately protect themselves.

Since then, he said, the number of those infected has reduced significantly.

“Over 90 percent of the infected has recovered and we now have a sufficient supply of PPE,” Kuma-Aboagye said to CNN on Thursday.

He added that he continues to work closely with the public and private health sector to ensure the necessary PPE is provided and has confirmed that proper infection prevention and control measures are routinely conducted at all hospitals.

Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo announced in an address to the nation that he would extend an incentive to medical professionals “due to the immense dedication and hard work being exhibited by our health care workers.

“Each frontline health care worker, he said, would receive an additional 50% allowance added to their basic salary for the next three months.

National figures on the rise

In June, the Ghanaian government began a phased approach to bring the country back to normalcy after a three-week lockdown and months of a strict public gathering ban.

But as religious institutions, schools and restaurants have gradually reopened, the number of confirmed cases continues to skyrocket.

More than 26,000 people have contracted the virus as of July. Of those, 139 are dead.”The number of cases we currently have should not be translated to mean it is because of the directive to reopen our country,” the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Badu Sarkodie, told CNN.

“We have taken extreme measures ensuring people adhere to our protocols to maintain social distancing, wear masks, wash hands, and we have ordered that establishments check temperatures before patrons can enter.

“Sarkodie further maintains that quarantine and treatment centers have been placed throughout the country and his team is “actively and meticulously” monitoring to assess whether tightening of restrictions should be imposed again.

Some critics argue that the ease of restrictions came too soon, but Sarkodie insists that the livelihood of Ghanaians had to be taken into consideration when the decision was made to reopen the country.

Earlier this month, Akufo-Addo elected to self-isolate for 14 days after “at least one person within his close circle tested positive for Covid-19.

” While the president tested negative, he took the measure out of an abundance of caution, the Information Ministry said in a statement.

“We wish we were not here,” Ghana Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, told CNN.

“We are facing a global pandemic but we are doing our best to act based on scientific data and not emotions.

We are optimistic that the interventions we have put in place will lead to the results we want.

“Furthermore, Sarkodie revealed to CNN that a top medical research center in the country is in the process of working to develop a vaccine for the virus.

He would not provide further details.Meanwhile, all land, air and sea borders have been closed since March and will remain closed until further notice.

Ghana now ranks third on the African continent — behind South Africa and Nigeria — in the total number of cumulative cases, although the country’s death rate remains relatively low.