The Coalition of NGOs in Health in the Upper East Region is set to engage the newly appointed Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, with a comprehensive blueprint aimed at addressing the persistent shortage of doctors in the region.
The initiative seeks to establish a long-term solution to ensure a sustainable supply of medical professionals dedicated to serving the area.
Currently, the doctor-to-patient ratio in the Upper East Region stands at an alarming 1 to 24,124, while the nurse-to-population ratio is 1 to 313. The coalition has described this as a critical situation requiring both immediate and long-term interventions to improve healthcare delivery.
The proposed strategy includes identifying and nurturing talented students from the basic education level, training them in medical fields, and legally binding them to serve in the region upon completing their studies.
According to the coalition, this approach will ensure a steady pipeline of doctors committed to strengthening healthcare services in the region.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Patrick Namoo, Secretary of the Coalition of NGOs in Health, dismissed the notion that doctors refuse postings to the region due to poor accommodation or environmental conditions. Instead, he argued that their reluctance stems from a general disinterest in serving the area.
“We can’t continue to suffer from doctor shortages because of their unwillingness to be posted here. It’s not about accommodation or the environment—they simply don’t want to come to this region,” he lamented.
The upcoming meeting with the Regional Minister is expected to highlight these concerns and advocate for government-backed policies to prioritize doctor retention in the Upper East Region.
The coalition remains optimistic that the Minister will support their call for systemic changes to improve healthcare access for the people.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHZ | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
