Ashanti Region has taken a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), following the Integrated 2024 Annual Performance Review and First Quarter Health System Innovations Review Meeting.
The event, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors, aimed to examine the region’s performance in the health sector and identify areas for improvement.
Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, Regional Director of Health Service, stressed the importance of strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) as the foundation for achieving Universal Healthcare (UHC).
He noted that the three-tier levels of PHC, namely Community-based health planning services, Health Centers and District hospitals, have the potential to address over 80% of the population’s health needs.
The GHS’ Director mentioned inadequate infrastructure, insufficient staffing, and inequities in accessing to healthcare as the challenges facing the health sector.
He cited the Regional Medical Store, which was constructed in 1978, as an example of the need for upgrading infrastructure to support quality healthcare delivery.
The meeting also reviewed the region’s performance in various health indicators, including Maternal Mortality Ratio: 105 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020 that increased to 166 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024.
According to him, Family Planning Acceptor Rate was 22.5% in 2020, and increased to 32.6% in 2024.
He disclosed that Proportion of Mothers Who Made at Least Four ANC Visits was 74% in 2020, and increased to 81.8% in 2024.Dr. Adomako-Boateng stressed the need for collective efforts to address the challenges and achieve the region’s health goals.
The Regional Director of Health Services called on stakeholders to support efforts at strengthening PHC through networks of practice, improved infrastructure and increased staffing.
He, therefore, entreated stakeholders to work together to achieve UHC and improve the health outcomes of the people in the region.
The post ‘Strong Primary Health Care is vital in achieving Universal Healthcare Delivery’ appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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