Gov’t urged to reduce  existing financial pressures on healthcare facilities by absorbing the strain of exorbitant electricity bills .

The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate held its 2023 Annual Performance Review meeting with a resounding theme: “Accelerating Progress to Universal Health Coverage, Strengthening Primary Health Care through Network of Practice.”

The gathering, which took place on March 27th, 2024, brought together a cadre of esteemed health professionals, including Regional Health Directors, deputies, security agencies, and health partners such as UNICEF, to reflect on the region’s healthcare achievements and challenges.

Dr. Emmanuel Tenkorang, Ashanti Regional Health Director, articulated the review’s key points, which revolved around Ghana Health Service’s three strategic goals: ensuring universal access to better-managed quality health services, reducing avoidable adolescent and child deaths and disabilities, and increasing access to responsive clinical and public health emergency services.

Highlighting the region’s progress, Dr. Tenkorang noted significant improvements compared to the previous year’s performance.

He said, “NHIS claims submission surged from 81.9% to an impressive 95%, albeit with a slight increase in NIA claims rejection from 1.3% to 1.9%.

“Family Planning Coverage saw a noteworthy rise from 27.4% to 31.7%, though Couple Year Protection (CYP) experienced a decline from 179,305 to 163,866.”

While challenges remain, such as high maternal mortality rates, staff shortages, and inadequate health infrastructure, Dr. Tenkorang emphasised the impact of exorbitant electricity bills on health facilities.

“Notably, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital faces an overwhelming electricity bill exceeding 27 million Cedis,” he added.

Dr. Tenkorang urged the government to alleviate this strain by absorbing these tariffs, as passing them onto patients would exacerbate existing financial pressures on healthcare facilities.

Expressing gratitude for government support in health infrastructure development, Dr. Tenkorang underscored the ongoing need for sustained investment to address critical gaps in staffing, infrastructure, and operational funding.

He emphasised the imperative of collective action, urging stakeholders to prioritise resource allocation towards bolstering primary healthcare services and enhancing the overall health system’s resilience.

The Ashanti Region’s 2023 Health Performance Review encapsulated a journey of progress, challenges, and unwavering commitment towards achieving universal health coverage.

As the region navigates through complexities, collaborative efforts, underpinned by strategic investments and policy interventions, will be pivotal in realising the vision of equitable and accessible healthcare for all residents.