On the second day of its nationwide assessment tour, the Parliamentary Health Committee paid a visit to the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua, where it lauded the facility for its performance and resourcefulness.
During a presentation, the hospital’s medical director, Dr. Arko Akoto-Ampaw, highlighted several key achievements made over the past few years, many of which were accomplished without direct government support. The committee was particularly impressed by the hospital’s prudent use of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF), which have been directed toward critical needs such as repairing faulty equipment, purchasing medical supplies, and covering the salaries of non-mechanized staff.
The committee noted that, despite being a century-old facility, the Koforidua Regional Hospital has taken proactive steps to address its challenges.
The visit forms part of Parliament’s broader efforts to assess healthcare delivery nationwide and identify areas where strategic support and policy intervention are most needed.
Committee members also engaged hospital management and staff in open discussions about operational challenges, staff welfare, and patient care.
These interactions, according to Dr. Anabah, are crucial for developing realistic, ground-up solutions that can inform national health policy reforms.
He emphasized the importance of accountability, innovation, and leadership at the facility level, praising the Eastern Regional Hospital for exemplifying these values. “When hospitals take ownership of their development and manage their resources wisely, they can significantly improve service delivery even in the face of limited external support,” he noted.
The Health Committee’s tour is expected to conclude with a comprehensive report to Parliament, including recommendations aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving resource allocation, and enhancing the overall quality of care across the country.
As the tour progresses to the Volta and Greater Accra Regions, stakeholders are hopeful that lessons learned from the Koforidua Regional Hospital will inspire other facilities to adopt innovative and sustainable practices.