Ghana's health infrastructure remains poor, with one ambulance serving 84,000 people, according to the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE). Ing Dr. Patrick Amoah Bekoe, Vice President of GhIE, urged the government to focus on lower-tier health facilities.
The current state leaves many Ghanaians, especially in rural areas, without reliable access to essential healthcare services. This critical deficiency impacts emergency response and basic medical care across the country. The GhIE's Ghana Infrastructure Scorecard research highlighted these alarming figures.
This situation fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of infrastructure deficits and resource management challenges. Successive governments have faced financial constraints, but the GhIE suggests prudent management of available funds is key. The country's doctor-to-patient ratio also falls below World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. This indicates a systemic issue affecting both physical infrastructure and human resources in healthcare.
Ing Dr. Amoah Bekoe stated, "Our ambulance-to-population ratio, we're talking about 1 to 84,000, which basically one ambulance is serving 84,000." He added that the more pressing issue is how available funds are prioritized and managed. He noted that Ghana often allows existing public assets to deteriorate before replacing them, rather than maintaining them.
The government must now address these infrastructure gaps to improve public health outcomes and reduce hidden economic costs. Decision-makers will need to re-evaluate budget allocations and management strategies for healthcare. Markets and citizens will watch for concrete steps to strengthen primary healthcare services nationwide. This focus on lower-tier facilities could significantly impact the well-being of millions of Ghanaians.
The poor state of health infrastructure has direct consequences for ordinary Ghanaians. People who become sick or are involved in accidents in remote areas often cannot access quality medical care. This leads to preventable deaths and long-term disabilities, creating significant social and economic losses. Ing Dr. Amoah Bekoe referred to these as "hidden costs" of an inefficient system.
While acknowledging financial constraints, the GhIE emphasized that the management of funds is paramount. Ing Dr. Amoah Bekoe explained that Ghana has historically struggled with prudent use of its limited resources. He stressed that even with modest funding, strategic investments and proper maintenance could yield better results. This approach would prevent the cycle of deterioration and costly replacement.
The GhIE's call for action highlights the urgent need for a shift in government policy. Prioritizing primary healthcare facilities ensures that a larger proportion of the population receives timely medical attention. This is particularly important for those who may never reach major referral hospitals like Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Improving these foundational services is crucial for national development and public welfare.