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The Amansie West District Health Directorate is grappling with a severe shortage of healthcare workers, despite a significant surge in Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance. Reports indicate that OPD visits have increased by more than 50% compared to 2023, yet the district lacks critical medical personnel, particularly midwives, pharmacy technicians, and laboratory staff.
Speaking at the 2024 District Annual Performance Review and Awards Ceremony in Manso Nkwanta, Mr Pharm Bernard Badu Bediako, District Director of Health, appealed for immediate government intervention to address the staffing challenges.
Growing Demand, Limited Personnel
Pharm Bediako noted that the increased patient attendance is largely due to improvements in healthcare access, including the establishment of new health facilities and the introduction of modern medical practices. He further highlighted the success of immunization programs in the district.
“Our initial target was to achieve 95% vaccine coverage for children under five years, but we surpassed expectations, exceeding 100% of the estimated 2024 population of 170,443. This achievement reflects the hard work and commitment of our community health nurses,” he stated.
However, maternal healthcare services are under severe strain due to a shortage of midwives. Many experienced midwives, some with over a decade of service, have requested transfers, but replacements have not been provided.
“In December 2024, the government deployed about 20 new healthcare workers to the district, but only one was a midwife. This is a major concern, especially for maternal and child health services,” Pharm Bediako lamented.
Facilities such as Esaase Bontefufuom Hospital and the newly established Manso Nkwanta Government Hospital are struggling to provide skilled maternal care, putting pregnant women and newborns at risk.
Shortage of Pharmacy and Laboratory Staff
Beyond midwives, the district is also facing an acute shortage of pharmacy technicians and biomedical laboratory staff, making it difficult for hospitals to deliver essential medical services.
“Currently, we have only one pharmacy technician in the entire district, and he is not even a permanent staff member. Additionally, there are no biomedical laboratory staff available, meaning our hospitals are unable to conduct critical medical tests,” Pharm Bediako disclosed.
These shortages delay access to essential medicines and prolong diagnosis times, negatively affecting patient care.
Retention Challenges and Government Response
The health director also pointed out that retaining medical professionals in the district has been a major challenge. Many workers request transfers after years of service, leaving gaps that remain unfilled.
“The government has made efforts to improve staff distribution, but retention remains a challenge. Many midwives are leaving, and their departure is affecting service delivery,” he noted.
To address the situation, he urged the government and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to prioritize the posting of midwives, pharmacy technicians, and laboratory staff to the district.
“We are working under a holistic assessment framework set by the Ghana Health Service, which focuses on improving healthcare staffing, infrastructure, and quality of service. However, without adequate personnel, these goals will be difficult to achieve,” he emphasized.
Plans to Improve Accommodation for Health Workers
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Ebenezer Awuku, Regional Estate Manager of the Ghana Health Service, acknowledged the staffing shortages and announced plans to improve accommodation for health workers in the district.
“We recognize the challenges healthcare workers face in Amansie West, particularly with housing. We are working on improving accommodation facilities to make their stay more comfortable,” he assured.
Recognizing Dedicated Health Workers
As part of the event, outstanding health workers were honored for their dedication. Madam Evelyn Tweneboah, a midwifery officer at Manso Jeninso CHPS Compound, was recognized for her 22 years of service to the community.
Expressing her gratitude, she said, “I love serving this community, and this award is a great honor for me.”
Despite the staffing challenges, the Amansie West Health Directorate remains committed to providing quality healthcare services. However, authorities stress that urgent government action is needed to ensure adequate staffing and sustainable healthcare delivery in the district.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
