The Savannah Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has reported notable improvements in healthcare delivery, despite persistent operational challenges.
This was revealed at the Directorate’s 2025/2026 Annual Performance Review Meeting held on March 25, 2026, which brought together health officials, stakeholders, and development partners under the theme “Promoting Quality Primary Health Care: The Role of Health Professionals and Stakeholders.”
Speaking at the event, the Regional Director of Health Services, John Ekow Otto, said the region made significant strides in maternal and child healthcare.
Skilled delivery increased from 62.8 percent to 67.6 percent, while postnatal care within 48 hours rose sharply to 98.8 percent. Maternal mortality also declined from 82 to 54 per 100,000 live births.
He added that the region maintained zero under-five malaria case fatality and recorded improvements in tuberculosis outcomes, HIV transmission rates, and health information management.
According to Mr. Otto, these gains were driven by intensified primary healthcare interventions, including family planning education, antenatal services, safe delivery support, and expanded community outreach through home visits, media engagements, and school health programmes. Health facilities also sustained 24-hour service delivery to address emergencies.
Despite the progress, he cited major challenges such as staff shortages, inadequate funding, long travel distances, and logistical constraints. Out of 17 doctors posted to the region, only four are currently at post, although 147 health workers were recruited during the period.
He also paid tribute to four staff members who died within the year, describing their loss as a setback.
On public health, the region successfully managed two Mpox cases without fatalities and contained a livestock-related health incident in North Gonja with no human transmission. However, the Gbiniyiri conflict affected service delivery in some areas. Concerns were also raised over declining family planning uptake and low IPT3 coverage.
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Frank Atuguba, in a keynote address, announced plans to roll out a Free Primary Health Care Policy to remove financial barriers and strengthen preventive and community-based healthcare.
He urged health managers to improve leadership, accountability, supervision, and ensure the availability of essential medicines, while enhancing patient satisfaction and complaint systems.
The event also recognized outstanding health facilities and directorates. Central Gonja District Hospital was named the best-performing hospital, followed by Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District Hospital and Bole Municipal Hospital. Bamboi Polyclinic topped the polyclinic category, while Bandakunta CHPS was adjudged the best CHPS compound.
The Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and advancing universal health coverage through sustained investment and partnerships.
Source: kashafmonline.com
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