The Ministry of Health of Ghana, in collaboration with the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), has recently inaugurated three health facilities in the Oti region to enhance healthcare access for its residents. The facilities handed over to the Ghana Health Service include the Likpe Bukua Polyclinic located in the Guan District, the Dzindziso Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compound in the Kadjebi District, and the Chantai CHPS Compound in the Krachi West District. Each of these health establishments is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the healthcare needs of their respective communities, particularly in preventive health measures and maternal care.
The Likpe Bukua Polyclinic, initially constructed by Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in 1965, was originally intended to serve as a comprehensive healthcare facility. However, it was later downgraded to a CHPS compound due to various challenges. Recently, efforts have been made to rehabilitate and upgrade the infrastructure to better serve the community. The upgrade highlights a renewed focus on improving healthcare delivery systems within the region. The attention directed towards this facility underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing health services and restoring its function as a larger healthcare provider.
The Dzindziso CHPS compound, as noted by the Kadjebi District Chief Executive, Mr. Wilson Agbanyo, represents a significant step toward expanding health access and education in the region. This facility will not only provide medical services but will also be a hub for health education, emphasizing preventive health measures. By educating community members about health issues and empowering them to make informed decisions, the facility aims to boost the overall health literacy of residents in the Kadjebi District. This dual focus on treatment and education marks an important innovation in public health policy, aiming to create a more health-conscious society.
In addition, the newly commissioned Chantai CHPS compound is expected to significantly improve maternal health outcomes in the Krachi West District. The Krachi West District Director of Health Services, Mr. Victor Ahiaba, pointed out that the facility will offer expectant mothers a safe and secure environment for childbirth, ultimately addressing the risks associated with traveling long distances to access healthcare. By facilitating better access to maternal care, the Chantai health center aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, thereby contributing to the overall health of the community.
Ms. Chae Eun Kim, the Deputy Country Director of KOFIH, emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting Universal Health Coverage in Ghana. She stated that KOFIH supports the development of the necessary healthcare infrastructure and logistics, as well as capacity building within the healthcare system. The foundation’s assistance aims to strengthen the health systems, particularly within underserved regions like Oti. KOFIH’s involvement not only reflects international solidarity in health efforts but also underscores the importance of collaborations in addressing health disparities faced by rural populations.
Lastly, Dr. Osei Kuffuor Affreh, the Oti Regional Director of Health Services, mentioned ongoing efforts to upgrade the Likpe Polyclinic into a District Hospital. This advancement is symbolic of the broader changes taking place in the region’s healthcare landscape and reflects the government’s focus on improving healthcare access and quality across Ghana. The establishment of these facilities, along with future upgrades, signifies a strategic approach to healthcare reform, aiming to ensure that residents in the Oti region have access to essential health services. In conclusion, the commissioning of these health facilities marks an important milestone in improving healthcare services for communities in the Oti region, reinforcing the commitment to better health outcomes for all residents.
