Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, has announced plans for the establishment of a new 600-bed tertiary hospital facility in the region to address the increasing healthcare needs of Volta and neighbouring regions. Speaking at the 2023 Health Sector Annual Performance Review conference, Dr Letsa revealed ongoing grant arrangements with partners for the construction of the facility.
The two-day conference, themed “Strengthening the Primary Healthcare System for Improved Access to Quality Health Service Delivery: The Role of Networks of Practice,” highlighted the region's progress in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, health information systems, and workforce development.
Dr Letsa commended the Ho Teaching Hospital for attracting highly specialized staff who now provide advanced specialist care. He also noted the operationalization of an ultra-modern Public Health Emergency Operation Centre and a regional infectious disease centre with treatment and Intensive Care Unit facilities.
Furthermore, Dr Letsa mentioned the construction of a fully equipped Intensive Care Unit at the Keta Government Hospital, with a similar structure in the Ketu South Municipal Hospital awaiting operationalization. He urged expedited action on this matter.
The utilization of new prefabricated public health laboratories at the Aflao border and Hohoe to enhance disease surveillance along major borders was emphasized by Dr Letsa. Additionally, he highlighted efforts to address challenges with oxygen delivery by constructing new oxygen plants in the Volta Region.
In terms of healthcare technology, Dr Letsa mentioned the implementation of the Lightwave Health Management Information System (LHIMS) to manage electronic medical records efficiently. Despite teething challenges, he expressed confidence in perfecting the system with collective efforts.
Dr Letsa also announced plans to commission the second phase of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) this year, emphasizing its significant expansion compared to the existing structure.
Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kumah Aboagye, expressed concerns about the country's progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), stressing the need for concerted efforts to achieve substantial gains by 2030. He highlighted the importance of forging partnerships and engaging the private health sector for holistic development.
Dr Kumah Aboagye also addressed the challenge of attrition among health professionals, assuring efforts for recruitment and improved conditions of service, particularly in underserved areas. He underscored ongoing initiatives to enhance digital technology for improved healthcare service delivery, including efforts to improve internet connectivity.