Government to scale up health investment in Oti Region – Health Minister

The minister for health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the Oti Region, describing sustained investment as key to reversing years of poor health outcomes.

The assurance was given during a two-day working visit to the region, aimed at assessing challenges within the health sector and engaging local authorities on solutions.

During the visit, the health minister held a closed-door meeting with the Oti regional minister, members of Parliament, district chief executives, and health sector stakeholders, where concerns over the low retention of medical doctors were discussed. Officials disclosed that only two out of 23 doctors posted to the region last year reported for duty, a situation affecting service delivery.

Akandoh called for collaboration between central government and local leadership, urging traditional authorities, religious leaders, opinion leaders, and political actors to support efforts to improve healthcare outcomes in the region.

As part of the tour, the minister was taken to a 100-acre site designated for the construction of the Oti Regional Hospital, a facility expected to significantly enhance access to specialised healthcare services.

He also addressed a town hall meeting, where he engaged community members and appealed for collective support to change the healthcare narrative of the region.

The Health Minister further visited Dambai Polyclinic, Worawora District Hospital, and Jasikan District Hospital, where he interacted with medical staff and commended them for their dedication despite limited resources.