Accra: At the Upper East Regional Hospital (UERH) in Bolgatanga, there is a growing concern over the increasing number of patients and a shortage of healthcare professionals to attend to them. This 265-bed referral facility, which serves patients from the Upper East, parts of the North East and Upper West regions, as well as neighboring Burkina Faso, is facing significant pressure due to the complexity of cases it handles and its expansion in specialist and postgraduate training.
According to Ghana News Agency, the hospital's Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Kojo Tambil, has described the situation as urgent. He has appealed to the Ministry of Health to address staffing and funding challenges, warning that the quality of specialist care and postgraduate training are at risk. The hospital is particularly strained in critical-care areas, where a shortage of personnel could jeopardize patient care.
Dr. Tambil highlighted an incident in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where staffing levels were so low that admitting one more patient could compromise care. He stated that regional hospitals like UERH require more professionals and resources than district hospitals due to the complexity of cases they handle. Despite having a considerable number of nurses on paper, the hospital faces a real-time shortage because many are away for training.
The Ghana News Agency's observations revealed that critical units such as the Accident and Emergency Unit and the ICU are operating with minimal staff, which translates to longer waits and increased pressure on healthcare workers. Some staff members are pursuing further training, which is essential for building a specialist workforce, but it contributes to the immediate shortage.
Furthermore, Dr. Tambil expressed concerns about inadequate funding for postgraduate training and specialist outreach. The hospital relies on visiting specialists for procedures and resident training, requiring additional resources. He also criticized the low National Health Insurance Scheme tariffs, which do not adequately compensate for the complexity of services provided.
The hospital is awaiting the fourth phase of its redevelopment project to achieve proper tertiary-level status, which would enhance its capacity for specialist services, diagnostics, and training. Despite the challenges, the hospital is making efforts to establish a histopathology laboratory and acquire an MRI machine to improve diagnostic capabilities.
Minister for Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, acknowledged the hospital's workload and commended the staff's dedication. He assured that the Government is working towards equitable distribution of healthcare workers and decentralizing postgraduate training to address specialist shortages. The Government also aims to improve logistics and provide necessary equipment for health professionals.
The Upper East Regional Hospital is at a crossroads, facing expanding responsibilities and complex patient needs. The urgent question is whether its workforce and resources can grow quickly enough to meet these challenges while maintaining a high standard of care.