Health service delivery in the Upper East Region continues to face serious challenges, with concerns over low coverage, uneven distribution of health professionals, and reluctance among some workers to accept postings to the area.
Patrick Namoo, Upper East Regional Secretary of the Coalition of NGOs in Health, said the region remains one of the most deprived in the country in terms of healthcare access, with overall health coverage described as very low. He also noted that the doctor-to-patient ratio remains high, affecting service delivery.
“In terms of health delivery in the region, I must say that the Upper East is one of the poorest in the country, and health coverage is very low,” he said.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Namoo said the core challenge is no longer just about the number of health professionals, but their distribution. He explained that many doctors and nurses prefer working in specific locations, leading to congestion in some urban facilities while rural areas remain underserved.
“The last time I had discussions with the Regional Health Directorate, we were made to understand that it is not even the numbers; it is now an issue of equity. We have high numbers of nurses and doctors choosing to work in particular areas of their interest,” he said.
He further recalled concerns about medical officers posted to the region who reportedly refused to take up their postings. Based on engagements with the Regional Health Directorate, he said some cited perceived insecurity in the region, while others gave no clear reasons.
“When we did our checks at the Regional Health Directorate, we were made to understand that one issue has to do with the insecurity nature of our region. Most of these workers pointed to the fact that the region was not safe for them, and others could not even give a reason,” he said.
Mr. Namoo added that some health professionals also view the region as deprived and are reluctant to relocate due to concerns about access to quality education and other social amenities.
Despite these challenges, he commended a health worker from southern Ghana who accepted a posting to the Paga District Hospital and is currently serving in a rural area, describing the decision as commendable.
He stressed that these issues continue to affect healthcare delivery in the region, particularly in rural communities, and called for urgent attention to both staffing distribution and perceptions about the region.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
