The Greater Accra region of Ghana has seen a rise in outpatient cases in the first half of 2023, indicating increased demand for health services. According to regional health officials, outpatient department (OPD) attendance increased by 4.3% from 2.56 million cases in the first half of 2022 to 2.67 million cases in the same period of 2023.
Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Accra.
Malaria remains the leading cause of hospital admissions while pneumonia and hypertension are the top causes of death in the region. Other common diseases include diabetes, urinary tract infections and typhoid fever.
The regional health director, Dr. Charity Sarpong, said at a mid-year performance review meeting that resources would continue to be distributed equitably to all districts to improve health care delivery. However, she noted that the lack of permanent office space remained a challenge in the region.
OPD Room, Korle bu teaching hospital, Accra.
The rise in OPD attendance suggests that more people are enrolling in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to access care at public facilities. The regional minister, Henry Quartey, urged the health directorate to adopt strategies that the Regional Coordinating Council could support to address health issues, particularly non-communicable diseases.
The 4.3% increase in outpatient cases highlights the growing demand for health services in Ghana's capital region. While health officials are working to improve access and distribution of resources, they still face challenges like inadequate infrastructure that could hinder efforts to provide quality care to meet rising demand. With diseases like malaria, pneumonia and hypertension posing the greatest burden, officials will need to focus on effective prevention and treatment of these conditions to improve health outcomes for residents of Greater Accra.
University of Ghana Medical Center, Accra.
In summary, outpatient attendance in Greater Accra region has seen a 4.3% increase from the first half of 2022 to the first half of 2023. This rise highlights the growing demand for health services in Ghana's capital region. Malaria, pneumonia and hypertension pose the greatest burden of disease, so officials will need to focus on effective prevention and treatment of these conditions to improve health outcomes.
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