The Ministry of Health has begun implementing measures to address the shortage of medical doctors in the Ahafo Region, aiming to improve healthcare delivery across hospitals and health facilities.

Deputy Minister of Health, Grace Ayensu-Danquah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, disclosed this during a working visit to several health facilities in the region, including the Ahafo Regional Health Directorate, Goaso Municipal Hospital, Asutifi North District Hospital, Fawohoyeden CHPS Compound, and Nkaseim Health Centre.

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah revealed that out of 21 doctors posted to the region, only eight have reported for duty. She attributed the low turnout to challenges such as lack of accommodation and inadequate logistics at some facilities.

She said the Ministry is actively working to resolve these issues to ensure that more doctors are deployed to meet healthcare needs, especially at the district level.

“I have interacted with the eight doctors currently at post and assured them that government will do all it can to make their stay comfortable, so they can provide quality services to the people,” she said.

The Deputy Minister also expressed concern over rising maternal mortality rates in the country. She noted that her visit was partly to assess the causes of maternal deaths at the regional level and identify immediate interventions to save lives.

“All information provided by health workers regarding maternal mortality will be submitted to the Ministry of Health and the Office of the President for appropriate action,” Dr. Ayensu-Danquah added.