UTAS Begins Admission for Medical Students to Boost Healthcare Workforce

Navrongo: Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, announced that the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Navrongo has started admitting prospective medical students. This marks a significant step in enhancing the region's healthcare workforce. According to Ghana News Agency, the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), UTAS management, and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, is collaborating to establish a medical school at UTAS. Plans are also underway to upgrade the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga into a Teaching Hospital. The initiative aims to address the shortage of doctors and specialists, improving the current doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:14,072. Mr Atanga shared these developments during a press briefing with journalists, heads of departments, and Municipal and District Chief Executives from the region's 15 municipalities and districts. He mentioned that specialist training programs, starting with Paediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, would be offered at the Regional Hospital, with plans to introduce Surgery and other specialties in the future. Regarding the deployment of doctors, Mr Atanga reported that out of 26 doctors posted to the region, only five have reported so far. Three doctors have started duty at the Regional Hospital, while one is yet to assume duty at the Paga Hospital. He also noted improvements in access to medicines, with over 84% of suppliers delivering drugs to the Regional Medical Stores and achieving an overall availability rate of 88%. Progress has been observed in the supply of non-medical consumables as well. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in the health sector, notably in access to health facilities, infrastructure deficits, and shortages of doctors and specialists. In response, the Mahama-led Government is focusing on deploying nurses, midwives, and community health workers, alongside investing in training and capacity building for health professionals n ationwide. On the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Mr Atanga stated that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) had settled all claims submitted in December 2025, including those submitted earlier this month. This ensures that health facilities cannot claim indebtedness by the Authority. A new NHIA office facility has been established in the Nabdam District, increasing the number of districts with active NHIA offices in the region to 10. Despite challenges such as the conflict in the Bawku area affecting NHIS coverage, the region achieved a coverage rate of 52%, compared to the national target of 80% by 2030. Additionally, the RCC is enhancing healthcare oversight by providing office space for the Regional Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) at the RCC Secretariat. HeFRA is tasked with registering, licensing, and monitoring public and private health facilities to ensure safe and high-quality services. The office is staffed by a Regional Coordinator and four officers dedicated to imp lementing the Agency's mandate and promoting quality healthcare in the region.