By GNA
The Poor functioning of health systems and structures have been identified as bottlenecks impeding the provision of quality healthcare delivery in the country.
A survey conducted by the Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), a human rights and media advocacy non-governmental organisation (NGO) has revealed.
Findings of the survey identified lack of transparency, inadequate financial health investments and limited workforce, inadequate supplies of medicines as well as equipment and poor referral systems as contributory factors.
Other challenges in the health sector captured by the survey included lack of ownership, weak accountability, poor communication skills of health workers and long distances to health facilities.
Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GLOMEF who revealed the findings to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, explained the survey was conducted to commence the NGO’s new project titled “Ghana Health Sector Accountability Strengthening Project (GHSASP)”.
The survey, he explained, was to help the NGO to gather baseline data towards the implementation of the three-year project, which begins from January 2022 to December 2024, and aimed at enhancing and strengthening transparency and accountability in the health sector.
This project, he added, sought to greatly improve patient safety, client satisfaction as well as participation and improved quality governance structure at all levels, thereby reducing maternal and child mortality.
Six districts and municipalities in the country – Ada West and Ada East in Greater Accra, Sunyani West and Sunyani Municipalities in Bono, as well as Asutifi North District and Tano North Municipality of Ahafo Regions are the project implementing areas.
In a highlight, Mr. Ahenu explained the survey captured more than 400 patients, community members and health professionals, including nurses in the project implementation communities.
“About 70 per cent of the respondents, particularly health workers mentioned poor leadership in the health sector and non-functioning of health systems and structures as major factors hindering quality healthcare delivery in the country,” he said.
The survey conducted between September 2020 and August 2021 alleged some District Health Directors “don’t go to work regularly even though they might not have assignments at regional or national levels”.
Mr. Ahenu reminded the GHS of its core mandate of creating a health system that placed clients at the centre of health care and ensure continuous and improved measurable health outcomes.
He therefore called for a stronger leadership and coordination role of the Ministry of Health and all its agencies, especially the GHS to address gaps inhibiting improved patient care and outcomes lacking in the health sector.
“There are significant inequities in coverage of and access to quality healthcare interventions especially in rural areas despite government’s efforts,” Mr. Ahenu added.
