Invest in existing health infrastructure instead of building new ones – COHHETI President

President of Conference of Heads of Health Training Institutions (COHHETI), Margaret Mary Alacoque, is urging the government to invest in existing Health Training Institutions (HTIs) rather than building new ones.

She firmly believes that current HTIs have the capacity to train the right skill mix and numbers of healthcare professionals.

She made this statement at the 17th Annual General Meeting of Conference of Heads of Health Training Institutions (COHHETI) held in Takoradi, Western Region on November 18.

The Conference of Heads of Health Training Institutions (COHHETI), established in 2006, serves as a platform for Principals and Directors of 92 Health Training Institutions (HTIs) to discuss organizational and administrative matters. HTIs comprise public institutions training professional nurses, midwives, and allied health staff.

At COHHETI’s 17th Annual General Meeting, themed “Evolving Trends In Health: The Role Of Health Training Institutions,” President of the group Margaret Mary Alacoque emphasized the urgent need to revamp HTIs, which produce over 70% of Ghana’s human resource for health development.

She stressed that HTIs require:

1. Budget allocations for operational costs, faculty development, and student support.
2. Infrastructural development to upgrade facilities, equipment, and technology.
3. Upgrading of curriculum, faculty skills, and research capabilities.

She added that “Our healthcare needs have evolved, especially with the triple disease burden of communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDS), injuries, and trauma. Hospitals have embraced technology in healthcare delivery, enhancing patient care and treatment processes.”

“Therefore, HTIs must evolve in the training of nurses and allied health professionals to match the triple disease burden and the technological wave.”

The Deputy Minister of Health and Member of a Parliament for Nsuta Kwaman Beposo Adelaide Yaa Agyeiwaa Ntim whilst speaking on the theme for the meeting, stressed that “The healthcare landscape has undergone a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements, shifting patient demographics, and evolving human needs. As we navigate these changes, the role of health training institutions becomes increasingly crucial in shaping the future of healthcare.

To fulfill this pivotal role, health training institutions must focus on:

1. Technological advancements to stay ahead of the curve
2. Interprofessional education to foster collaborative care
3. Competency-based training to ensure workforce readiness

By prioritizing these areas, health training institutions can effectively prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals, ultimately transforming the healthcare system for the better.”

Presidential Advisor on Health Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare, highlighted President Akufo-Addo’s accomplishments in the health sector and emphasized the next NPP administration’s commitment to prioritizing health security infrastructure.

Dr. Nsiah Asare reaffirmed that the next NPP administration under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s presidency will prioritize health security infrastructure development.

“Under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s presidency, the next government will prioritize health security infrastructure development. This includes:

– Accelerated Telehealth Advancements: Enhancing telehealth equipment and telemedicine digitization
– Expanded Primary Care: Scaling up the network of model health centers for 24/7 quality healthcare
– Completing Ongoing Projects: Finalizing Agenda 111 projects and other initiatives
– Specialist Centers: Establishing soft specialist centers in teaching hospitals and other facilities
– Breastfeeding-Friendly Environments: Creating conducive spaces in hospitals and public workplaces for breastfeeding to improve child survival
– Enhanced Healthcare Standards: Strengthening healthcare quality and standards
– School Health Services: Collaborating with Ghana Education Services to ensure functional sickbays and availability of nurses in high schools. “ He noted.

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