Dr. Mark Nawaane, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Health Committee, has advocated for more favorable study leave policies for healthcare workers in the Upper East Region. Apexnewsgh reports
During a recent visit to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Dr. Nawaane emphasized the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals in less urbanized areas compared to their counterparts in bustling cities like Accra and Kumasi.
This visit was part of a broader initiative where members of the Health Committee were divided into three teams, each tasked with assessing different hospitals across the region. Team One, including Dr. Nawaane, visited Bolgatanga Regional Hospital as well as Nalerigu Regional Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale Regional Hospital, and Wa Regional Hospital. Meanwhile, Team Two assessed facilities in Damongo, Techiman, Sunyani, and Goaso, while Team Three turned their focus on the important hospitals in Kumasi.
The purpose of these extensive assessments was clear: to engage directly with healthcare professionals and stakeholders, evaluate infrastructure, and improve the quality of service delivery. The initiative underlined the Health Committee’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges within the public health sector, striving to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all citizens, regardless of their location.
Upon arrival, Dr. Saanwie Aiden, the dedicated Medical Director of Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, warmly welcomed the committee members. He expressed his gratitude for their visit, recognizing it as an opportunity to bring attention to the challenges that the hospital grapples with on a daily basis.
As discussions progressed, Dr. Aiden shared the hospital’s journey—a tale interwoven with significant advancements and unmet needs. “We have received several facilities aimed at improving our services,” he spoke passionately, his voice tinged with both pride and concern. “However, a major hurdle remains: we are in dire need of qualified staff to utilize these facilities effectively for our community’s benefit.”
He painted a vivid picture of one of the hospital’s most pressing issues—the absence of a biomedical engineer. Without this critical position filled, the hospital found itself in a precarious situation whenever equipment malfunctioned. “We often have to rely on engineers from Accra or Kumasi, which can lead to complications,” he expressed, his brow furrowing with frustration. “Regrettably, there have been instances where these external engineers have exacerbated the problem, leaving us with faulty equipment instead of the solutions we desperately required.”
Dr. Aiden harbored hope that the committee’s visit would not only spotlight the hospital’s needs but also catalyze the support necessary for meaningful change. With unwavering determination, he stressed the urgency of filling staffing gaps to ensure that the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital could deliver effective and efficient care. His call to action resonated, reflecting the collective aspiration for improvement—for the hospital, its dedicated staff, and the community they were committed to serving.
Among the committee members visiting the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital were:
Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane – Chairman
Patrick Boakye-Yiadom – Deputy Ranking Member
Anthony Mwikara Sumah – Member
Kingsley Agyemang – Member of Parliament for Aboakwa South.
Together, they listened and engaged, hoping to pave the way for a healthier future for the Upper East region.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com