A GNA Feature by Benjamin Akoto
Banda-Ahenkro, (Bono), Nov. 10, GNA – Provision of quality healthcare service delivery in rural areas is merely not a matter of infrastructure, however, a matter of justice and equity is required to advance the nation’s course in attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Banda-Ahenkro Health Center
Nestled in the heart of a growing population, the Banda-Ahenkro Health Center in the Banda District of the Bono Region is providing a lifeline for thousands of residents.
However, as the population grows in the area, the facility’s limitations to meet the health demand needs of the people are glaring for all to see.
Convincingly, the Banda-Ahenkro requires a full-fledged district hospital to deliver comprehensive and modern healthcare services to the people.
History
Built in 2005 for a smaller population at the time, several efforts have been made to upgrade the facility into a polyclinic status to position it to handle critical health needs of the people.
Thanks to the Banda District Chief Executive at that time, Madam Mary Konneh who spearheaded the advocacy for the upgrade of the facility to either a Polyclinic or a District Hospital.
However, the upgrade has been back and forth, until concrete plans were designed in 2017 for the expansion of the facility to respond to the critical health needs. Unfortunately, the plans never materialised.
Stretched beyond limits
Originally designed to serve a modest population with basic outpatient services, the Banda Health Center now finds itself overwhelmed with several patients traveling from neighboring villages to access medical care.
Limited diagnostic tools, lack of modern medical devices, as well as shortage of Hospital beds presently impede the facility’s efforts to achieve useful health outcomes. That has denied the people of the required medical services.
In an era of advanced digital diagnostics, telemedicine, and treatment protocols, the present condition of the Banda Health Center isn’t the best.
Population Growth and Urbanisation
Banda has evolved from a quiet rural settlement into a bustling hub of economic and social activity, with increased trade and rising settlement.
Yet, healthcare infrastructure is lagging, mismatching demographic growth, and medical capacity.
That calls for the upgrade of the facility district Hospital or Polyclinic to tackle the health demand needs of the growing population.
The upgrade will pave the way for recruitment of specialized health personnel, installation of modern equipment, and expansion of services like surgeries, radiology, and maternal care.
Travel for healthcare
For many residents, accessing healthcare services means traveling to major towns like Nsawkaw, Wenchi, and Sunyani.
Besides the economic cost implications, those journeys can take hours and are risky for especially pregnant women and persons with acute illnesses.
Oftentimes, they are forced to endure stressful and dangerous trips with those journeys disproportionately affecting the elderly, children, and low-income families.
That deepens health inequities and erodes trust in the local health system.
Challenges
Mr Jonathan Owusu, a Senior Physician Assistant, at the Banda Health Center called for an urgent need to upgrade the facility to tackle the health needs of the rising number of patients visiting the facility.
He said: “Although the health centre is expected to function as a district hospital, the lack of equipment severely hinders our operations,” saying laboratory processes could not be performed.
Mr Owusu expressed concern about poor lighting systems with outdated wirings, citing that the facility nearly caught fire due to the outdated wiring systems.
Nonetheless, he commended the government for providing the facility with an ultrasound scan machine and an oxygen delivery system.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Banda Constituency said it was unfortunate that the district was not captured under the Agenda 111 District Hospital programme of the previous administration.
“When they promised us a district Hospital, I started constructing 24 housing units for nurses and security personnel.
However, the health accountant at that time embezzled GH₵260,000 meant for the project and later refunded GH₵40,000”, Mr Ibrahim alleged and promised to facilitate the upgrade of the facility into a district hospital within the next three years.
Economic and social impact
In fact, the benefits of upgrading the Banda Health Centre into a district hospital extends beyond healthcare, creating job opportunities and attracting investment to spur local economic growth and development.
Improved health outcomes will accordingly lead to a more productive workforce, reduced poverty, and enhance the quality of life of the people.
More so, the upgrade signals a commitment to equity as rural and peri-urban communities often suffer from under-investment in public services.
So, elevating the Banda Health Center will make it easier for the people to access quality health care service delivery and improve their health status.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs three) enjoins countries to promote healthy lives and well-being of all people.
Specifically, target 3.8 aims to achieve UHC of financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
Other targets of the global goal seek to ensure coverage of essential health services.
As the world makes concerted efforts to promote healthy lives by 2030, the question remains: “Will the people of Banda access the deserving quality healthcare?
Way Forward
Undoubtedly, the elevation of the Banda Health Centre into a district hospital is not a luxury, but a necessity and an opportunity to correct years of neglect, building resilient and a more responsive health system that meets the needs of the contemporary generation.
With a sense of political will, community support, and strategic investment, the vision of the upgrade can be turned into a reality.
The people of Banda deserve accessing timely and quality healthcare to meet the adage that “Our health is our wealth”.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Linda Asante Agyei