The Ghana Health Service has raised concern over declining patient satisfaction and worsening key health indicators, urging immediate action across all regions to improve service delivery and rebuild public trust.
Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea called on healthcare managers to strengthen grievance redress systems and adopt practical measures to enhance client experience, stressing that unresolved patient complaints could damage confidence in health facilities.
“By addressing concerns proactively, we can avoid unnecessary public controversies and maintain public trust,” he stated in remarks delivered on his behalf at the Upper East Region’s 2025 Annual Performance Review meeting.
Concerns Over Key Health Indicators
While acknowledging some national progress, Dr. Akoriyea pointed to troubling trends in critical areas, including rising institutional maternal mortality, declining skilled delivery coverage, increasing deaths from non-communicable diseases, and falling family planning and immunisation rates.
He warned that these indicators reflect real-life consequences for families and require urgent, data-driven interventions, stronger supervision, and renewed commitment from health officials at all levels.
Call for Stronger Leadership and Accountability
Regional health directors have been tasked to take decisive leadership roles, ensure discipline in operations, and maintain the steady supply of medicines and essential logistics. The Director-General also emphasised prudent management of Internally Generated Funds to sustain healthcare operations and infrastructure.
He further urged intensified monitoring of underperforming facilities and increased on-the-ground engagement to improve outcomes nationwide.
Government Steps In with Policy Support
Meanwhile, Donatus Akamugri Atanga highlighted government efforts to strengthen the health system, including the rollout of a Free Primary Health Care Programme aimed at removing financial barriers to basic services.
He also outlined measures to improve doctor retention in underserved areas through targeted support to make working and living conditions more attractive.
Commitment to Systemic Improvements
Dr. Akoriyea assured regional teams of continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health to address staffing and funding challenges, stressing the need for integrity, innovation, and collective action to improve healthcare delivery.
The developments signal a renewed push by health authorities to tackle service gaps, improve patient experience, and reverse negative health trends across the country.
