The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has embarked on a transformative journey to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Ghana, aligning its services with the government’s 24-hour economy vision. This ambitious undertaking involves extending the operational hours of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and polyclinics nationwide, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services around the clock. This strategic move, announced by GHS Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, signifies a paradigm shift in healthcare accessibility, addressing a critical gap in the current system where many CHPS facilities lack 24-hour operational capacity, leaving individuals struggling to access care during nighttime hours. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare delivery and seamlessly integrate health services into the nation’s evolving economic landscape.

The extension of operational hours is a multifaceted strategy with profound implications for Ghana’s healthcare system. Primarily, it directly addresses the accessibility challenges posed by limited operating hours at many CHPS facilities, ensuring that healthcare services are readily available to all citizens, irrespective of the time of day. This continuous accessibility is crucial for managing emergencies, providing timely interventions, and ultimately improving health outcomes. Furthermore, the 24-hour operational model aligns perfectly with the government’s 24-hour economy agenda, supporting the seamless functioning of businesses and industries that operate around the clock. By providing readily available healthcare services, the GHS contributes to a healthier and more productive workforce, thereby boosting economic productivity and overall national development.

Recognizing the importance of safety and security in this new operational model, the GHS has committed to implementing robust security measures at all facilities transitioning to 24-hour service. This commitment aims to create a safe and secure environment for both healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring that extended hours do not compromise the well-being of those utilizing or providing services. This proactive approach to security builds trust and confidence in the system, encouraging greater utilization of healthcare services and fostering a sense of safety for both healthcare workers and the communities they serve.

The shift to 24-hour healthcare services complements the government’s broader efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure across the nation. A recent initiative to construct approximately 600 new CHPS compounds by the end of 2025 further underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and improving access to care, particularly in underserved rural communities. This ambitious infrastructure development project, with a target of at least two new CHPS compounds per district, has the potential to significantly expand the reach of healthcare services, bringing quality care closer to those who need it most. The sustained momentum of this initiative could lead to the construction of over 2,000 CHPS compounds within the next four years, dramatically transforming the healthcare landscape and making quality healthcareaccessible universally.

These combined efforts – extending operational hours and expanding infrastructure – represent a decisive step towards bridging long-standing gaps in healthcare access. By focusing on both availability and accessibility, the GHS aims to create a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system where every Ghanaian, regardless of location or time of need, can access essential health services. This commitment to universal healthcare access is crucial for improving health outcomes, reducing health disparities, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of health and well-being.

This transformative initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening Ghana’s health system resilience. By providing 24-hour access to care, the GHS is not only responding to immediate healthcare needs but also building a more robust and responsive system capable of handling future health challenges. This forward-thinking approach positions Ghana’s health sector to meet the evolving demands of a dynamic 24-hour economy, ensuring that the health and well-being of its citizens are prioritized and safeguarded around the clock. This holistic approach to healthcare development signifies a commitment to building a healthier and more prosperous Ghana, where access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right enjoyed by all.

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