Maternal mortality across the Upper West Region has plummeted by almost 45 percent ahead of an upcoming Free Primary Healthcare initiative. Set to launch across 10 municipalities and districts, the program will extend medical coverage to approximately 790,000 residents.
Local medical officials emphasize that the initiative could revolutionize regional care, though success hinges on collaborative efforts to ensure that “no one is left behind”.
During the Mid-Year Health Sector Review, Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Josephat Nyuzaghl, shared that maternal deaths plunged from 87.82 to 48.5 per 100,000 live births.
“I’m particularly pleased to report a decline in anaemia among pregnant women. We also recorded an increase in skilled deliveries,” Dr Nyuzaghl said, reaffirming the region’s efforts to ensure that more women deliver safely.
He further noted a surge in healthcare facility visits alongside the completion of structural work for the new regional oxygen plant, which should have its equipment fully set up within eight weeks.
Dr Nyuzaghl confirmed readiness for the universal care program introduced by President John Mahama in April 2026. This initial phase targets 10 of the region’s 11 districts, encompassing roughly 78 percent of the local population.
Preparations are well underway, bolstered by the distribution of 853 equipment units spanning 72 categories and the vetting of 199 healthcare personnel for placement.
“Free primary healthcare is not charity. This is an investment in equity, an investment in human capital,” he stated.
However, Dr Nyuzaghl highlighted persistent gaps in housing and physical infrastructure that could hinder service delivery.
“A number of CHPS zones lack CHPS compounds. If we want community health officers to be closer to communities, it’s important that they have accommodation,” he said.
He concluded by outlining new mandates from the Ghana Health Service, which require security camera installation across all facilities, compulsory staff ID badges, and enhanced overall safety protocols.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana