The newly appointed Eastern Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Damien Punguyire, has pledged to drive a new phase of healthcare transformation focused on equity, accessibility, and innovation across the region.

Dr Punguyire’s assumption of office marks not just a leadership change but the beginning of a renewed vision to strengthen healthcare systems and improve service delivery within one of Ghana’s most dynamic regions.

Before his reassignment to the Eastern Region, Dr Punguyire served as the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, where he was widely praised for his achievements in improving maternal and child health outcomes, enhancing community-based disease surveillance, and promoting digital data integration in healthcare.

He brings to his new role a leadership style grounded in empathy, evidence-based management, and reform-oriented thinking.

“Health leadership is not about occupying an office—it is about being close to the people, understanding their needs, and building systems that respond with speed, compassion, and competence,”
Dr Punguyire emphasised.

Over the years, Dr Punguyire has become known for strengthening health systems and introducing modern accountability mechanisms within the Ghana Health Service (GHS). His initiatives have helped improve data-driven decision-making and resource transparency at the regional and district levels.

His leadership approach also focuses heavily on mentorship, encouraging young health professionals to innovate while maintaining strong ethical and community standards.

Dr Punguyire’s vision for the Eastern Region aligns with the broader goals of the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health to bridge the gap between policy and practice and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare regardless of location or income.

At the core of his philosophy is the belief that “the best healthcare begins before the hospital.” He has consistently promoted preventive health measures such as immunisation, sanitation, nutrition, and reproductive health as the foundation of sustainable well-being. His partnerships with traditional leaders, civil society groups, and local assemblies have earned him recognition as a consensus-builder and community advocate.

Under his leadership, the Eastern Regional Health Directorate is expected to prioritise:

Digital Health Integration is deploying robust information systems to enhance efficiency and monitoring.

Maternal and Child Health expanding access to emergency obstetric and neonatal services in rural areas.

Workforce Development improving continuous professional training and staff motivation.

Health Infrastructure Modernisation, supporting government efforts to upgrade primary health centres into model district hospitals.

Colleagues describe Dr Punguyire as a humble yet firm leader, known for balancing administrative excellence with compassion. Beyond his official duties, he mentors young officers and frequently volunteers in community health outreach programs.

As he takes up his new role in the Eastern Region, expectations are high. However, many within the health sector remain confident that Dr Punguyire’s proven track record will continue to drive positive change.

“Our goal is to make every community healthier, every health worker better supported, and every life valued,”
Dr Punguyire stated.

His appointment marks a significant step in Ghana’s ongoing commitment to building a resilient, inclusive healthcare system that leaves no one behind.