The Oti regional director of health services, dr. Osei Kufuor Afreh, has urged health professionals to accept postings to the region.
He lamented that lack of crucial health experts is hampered delivery of high-quality healthcare in the region.
The Oti region continues to struggle with the delivery of health services due to poor infrastructure at all levels.
These include lack of regional medical stores, and shortage of key health professionals like doctors, midwives, physician assistants, pharmacists, and supply chain specialists.
The health worker to population ratio in the oti region stands at one doctor to21,193 people and for the nurse to patient ratio; one nurse to 332 people and the midwife ratio of one to 426 people.
The region currently needs additional 60 medical doctors and 100 physician assistants in order to meet the required standard.
Speaking at the 2022 annual performance review meeting at Kedjebi, the Oti regional director of health services dr. Osei Kufuor Afreh, blamed the situation on the refusal of health personnel to accept postings to the region.
Out of the over 762,000 population of the Oti region, 30 per cent live on islands, which lack health infrastructure.
According to dr. Afreh, the region requires at least five service boats to boost the health care service provision for the islanders.
To help reduce maternal mortality, the regional health directorate has meanwhile, launched ‘the zero tolerance for maternal death campaign.
By Peter Quao Adattor
