The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has directed all public teaching hospitals to immediately operate their Out-Patient Departments (OPDs), laboratories, and diagnostic centres on a 24-hour basis in line with the President’s 24-hour health service policy.

He gave the directive during an ongoing sector-wide management retreat that has brought together leaders across the health sector to review performance and define priorities for the coming years.

The Minister also tasked the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to fast-track processes toward the full accreditation of the Sunyani Regional Hospital as a teaching hospital.

He noted that this step would improve clinical training, reduce pressure on existing teaching hospitals, and expand access to specialised healthcare.

“The NHIA and HeFRA are accordingly directed to treat the Sunyani Regional Hospital as a teaching hospital and not as any hospital. All teaching hospitals must urgently begin operating 24-hour OPD and laboratories, services in line with the President’s 24-hour health service policy.”

Mr Akandoh said the government’s health sector priorities focus on key reforms and targeted interventions designed to improve access, strengthen coordination, and enhance service delivery nationwide.

He said that institutions must align their objectives, budgets, and operational plans with these commitments to meet public expectations and improve sector performance.

"This two-day retreat provides a timely and strategic opportunity to take stock of progress, address implementation gaps, and reposition toward clearly defined targets for 2026 and beyond. I encourage you all to demonstrate renewed commitment, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and uphold accountability as you work collectively to advance the government’s health agenda and deliver improved outcomes for citizens.”

The Minister further noted that effective implementation of government policy requires institutions to move beyond planning to coordinated action. In this regard, he urged health facilities to respond more directly to public needs, particularly by expanding access to essential services.