A coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the health sector is advocating for greater focus and resources to be directed towards Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and district hospitals.

Bright Amissah Nyarko, President of the NGOs in Health, has urged stakeholders this, adding that these facilities are essential for providing primary healthcare services to rural and underserved communities.

The NGOs emphasised that strengthening these centres would enhance healthcare access and outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Nyarko highlighted that the existing CHPS compounds and district hospitals are under significant pressure, as the number of patients exceeds their capacity.

"A lot of focus and resources should be invested in our CHPS Compounds and District hospitals. The majority of people who rely on these facilities outweigh the available resources," he said while speaking at Media General’s Health Forum themed: 'State and Future of Health Facilities: Reimagining healthcare in Ghana,' organised on May 7, 2025.

Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), expressed concern over the poor state of health facilities in the country.

During the recent forum, the NGOs reiterated the need for increased investment in infrastructure, equipment, and personnel to enhance the capabilities of CHPS compounds and district hospitals.

According to 3news.com, while acknowledging that facilities like the University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC) are in better condition, Ofori-Ampofo questioned why most health facilities have been neglected by successive governments.

She noted that these governments have done little to improve the conditions of health facilities nationwide.

Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo pointed out that the infrastructure, equipment for professionals, and drainage systems in hospitals are inadequate, making it difficult for health professionals to work effectively.

"When you take the health facilities, when you move from the capitals, the regions and go to the districts and then move lower down to the health centre CHPS compounds, these facilities are actually not in the best of shape. Even with some of those facilities within our capitals, the regional hospitals and the teaching hospitals, it is not in the best shape," she stated.

According to her, health facilities across the country do not receive adequate funding from the government and instead rely on internally generated funds, which have hindered their improvement.

"As we speak now, all our health facilities rely on internally generated funds (IGFs), which is why he was showing the stats you saw that OPD services up to about 99% need to be paid for," she stated.

She urged the government to pay more attention to health facilities across the country and provide the necessary resources to support their operations.

NAD/AE

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