Ghana healthcare infrastructure and resource challenges

Ghana is experiencing a dual reality regarding its primary healthcare system, characterized by infrastructure expansion efforts alongside critical resource shortages.

On one hand, the government is actively expanding the Free Primary Healthcare scheme. Recent developments include the official transfer of a fully equipped medical centre at Assin Donkokrom in the Assin North District to the local District Assembly. This facility features a maternity delivery suite, dispensary, and consultation quarters, equipped with digital X-ray units, ultrasound machines, and infant incubators. To ensure sustainability, the Regional Health Committee in the Oti Region is advocating for a regional medical store in Worawora to mitigate barriers such as distance and inadequate infrastructure.

The programme has now expanded to 135 districts, aiming to shift healthcare delivery from hospitals directly into communities. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the recruitment and training of over 8,000 health workers to support this community-level service. The first phase targets 150 underserved districts, providing curative services, disease prevention, and health promotion. To facilitate outreach in remote areas, the government has procured 5,000 kits for house-to-house visits and plans to deploy 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles, supported by a GH¢35 million allocation for promotion and prevention.

Conversely, experts have raised alarms over systemic deficiencies. Research indicates that approximately 44% of community-based health compounds lack basic operational requirements, and 74% of these facilities fail to meet minimum staffing standards. Additionally, concerns remain regarding the National Blood Service, with analysts warning that insufficient blood supplies pose a direct threat to maternal health.