By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Bolgatanga, Jan. 22, GNA – Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, says the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) at Navrongo has commenced the admission of prospective medical students.
He said the Ministry of Health, through the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), in partnership with UTAS management and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, was working to establish a medical school at UTAS and upgrade the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga into a Teaching Hospital.
“Admissions for prospective students have already commenced, marking a critical step towards strengthening the Region’s healthcare workforce,” Mr Atanga said, adding that the initiative was aimed at addressing the shortage of doctors and specialists and improving the doctor-to-patient ratio, currently estimated at 1:14,072.
The Minister said this when he addressed journalists, heads of departments, and Municipal and District Chief Executives from the Region’s 15 Municipalities and Districts at a press soiree organised by the RCC.
He said specialist training programmes would also be offered at the Regional Hospital, beginning with Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, with plans to introduce Surgery and other specialties in subsequent years.
On the posting of doctors to the Region, Mr Atanga said that out of 26 doctors posted, only five had reported so far, with three assuming duty at the Regional Hospital, while one was yet to assume duty at the Paga Hospital.
He said access to medicines had improved, noting that over 84 per cent of suppliers delivered drugs to the Regional Medical Stores, with an overall availability rate of 88 per cent. “Similar progress has been recorded in the supply of non-medical consumables,” he added.
Despite these gains, Mr Atanga noted that challenges remained in the health sector, particularly in access to health facilities, infrastructure deficits, and shortages of doctors and specialists.
He said in response, the Mahama-led Government had intensified the deployment of nurses, midwives, and community health workers, while investing in training and capacity building of health professionals across the country.
Touching on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Minister said the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) had paid all claims submitted in December 2025, including those submitted earlier this month.
“As a result, no health facility can complain of indebtedness by the Authority,” he said.
Mr Atanga said a new NHIA office facility had been commissioned in the Nabdam District, bringing the number of districts with active NHIA offices in the Region to 10.
He said that despite the conflict in the Bawku area, which affected NHIS coverage, the Region achieved a coverage rate of 52 per cent, compared to the national target of 80 per cent by 2030.
Beyond service delivery, the Minister said the RCC was strengthening healthcare oversight by providing office space for the Regional Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) at the RCC Secretariat.
“HeFRA is responsible for the registration, licensing, and monitoring of public and private health facilities to ensure safe and high-quality services. The office is staffed by a Regional Coordinator and four officers tasked with implementing the Agency’s mandate and promoting quality healthcare in the Region,” Mr Atanga said.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Audrey Dekalu