By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, Dec. 05, GNA – Some 19 assessors drawn from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have undergone intensive training at the SafeCare’s Training Programme to help entrench quality healthcare services in the country’s health facilities.
The training, under the auspices of PharmAccess, represents a significant milestone in institutionalising quality healthcare delivery across Ghana’s public health system.
Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of GHS, at the graduation ceremony for the assessors said the certified assessors had been equipped to support healthcare facilities in assessing their performances, identify gaps, and implement targeted improvements.
The training programme formed part of the SafeCare’s global efforts towards improving the quality and safety of healthcare services.
Dr Kuma-Aboagye, said the training of the assessors signaled the Service’s commitment to addressing the systemic gaps that had resulted in several lawsuits against some health facilities for negligence and substandard care.
He stated that the assessors underwent an intensive selection and training processes, which involved regional nominations, classroom instruction, supervised assessments, and virtual sessions.
He said Ghanaians were becoming more aware of their rights and, thus, underscored the need for healthcare operators and staff to be diligent in their work to avoid potential legal tussle.
“Nowadays, as you’re aware, you can be sued… because Ghanaians are getting smarter now, and all the suits are due to the fact that we did not take our quality processes seriously,” he said.
Dr Kuma-Aboagye noted that Judges were giving huge fines, and now they’re garnishing our accounts. It’s about the right time we address this gap,” Dr Kuma-Aboagye advised.
The Service intended to institutionalise the SafeCare systems as a core aspect of its operations across the country, he said.
“The vision of the GHS and all of us here is to institutionalise the SafeCare system to make it a culture for the entire service.
“This way, service delivery will be linked to quality and safety, and every health worker will be empowered with quality improvement, working to improve the quality of care using data and evidence-based methods, ” Dr Kuma-Aboagye stated.
The facilitators for the training from each of the 10 regions selected and submitted three districts with one network per district.
Four eligible assessors were submitted by the 10 regions, and two were shortlisted to represent the regions.
The training included a one-week classroom session, a supervised in-person assessment, and virtual meetings.
The certified assessors would subsequently train others in implementing facilities in their respective regions and conduct quality improvement trainings.
Dr Nicole Spieker, the Chief Executive Officer of PharmAccess and Founder of SafeCare, commended the GHS for prioritising quality healthcare delivery, highlighting the global implications of poor healthcare standards.
“Globally, five million people die annually due to poor-quality healthcare, and three million die because of lack of access. Quality improvement is key. It’s not just about infrastructure but about leadership, attitude, and investment,” she said.
Dr Spieker urged the GHS to continue the journey of institutionalising quality improvement in healthcare delivery.
“Ghana is paving the way for other African countries in the journey towards universal health coverage.
The newly certified assessors pledged to apply their skills to elevate healthcare standards in their respect ive regions.
The milestone reflects a renewed commitment by the Ghana Health Service to prioritise quality, safety, and accountability in healthcare delivery, setting a benchmark for transformative healthcare practices in the country.
GNA