The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, led by the committee’s vice Chairman, Hon. Dr. Sebastian Ngmenenso Sandaare, ( MP for Daffiama/Bussie/Issa) paid a working visit to the St. Anne’s Catholic Hospital in Damongo on April 23, 2025, to observe operations and interact with management, as part of its nationwide oversight mission.
In a welcome address, the Diocesan Health Director expressed gratitude for the committee’s visit, emphasizing the hospital’s continued efforts to provide quality healthcare services despite facing notable challenges.
Dr. Nelson Agboadoh, Medical Director of the hospital, used the opportunity to present a detailed overview of the hospital’s state, noting several pressing issues affecting healthcare delivery. Dr. Agboadoh highlighted the hospital’s dire need for a modern maternity block, pointing out that the current facility was not originally intended for maternal care and is grossly inadequate. Staffing remains a major challenge, with many doctors and other health professionals refusing to report after being posted to the facility.
He also raised concerns over insufficient medical equipment, especially in the theater, and the hospital’s unstable power supply. The facility shares a transformer with the surrounding community, often resulting in power surges that damage expensive medical devices. This situation, he said, has significantly increased maintenance costs and disrupted critical services.
Another pressing issue involves unregulated practices by some local chemical shops. According to the Medical Director, some of these shops admit patients and perform procedures beyond their mandate, drawing patients away from the hospital and contributing to poor health outcomes. The refusal of many hypertensive patients to consistently seek hospital care or adhere to prescribed medication has also led to a surge in stroke cases. Dr. Agboadoh revealed that stroke (CVA) has become the leading cause of death in the hospital during the first quarter of 2025, with many victims being young people below the age of 65.
Speaking to the media after touring some key units and departments of the hospital by the delegation, Hon. Dr. Sebastian Ngmenenso Sandaare commended the hospital’s management for their dedication and the cleanliness of the facility, describing the healthcare service as commendable. “We are impressed with what we have observed in terms of patient care and quality health delivery,” he noted.
He acknowledged key concerns raised, including the region’s ongoing water crisis, power instability, staff shortages, and resource limitations. He assured management and the people of the Savannah Region that the committee would compile a comprehensive report for presentation in Parliament, advocating for urgent interventions.
Touching on the broader issue of resource equity between government and faith-based (CHAG) health facilities, Hon. Dr. Sandaare emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama, under the NDC administration, is committed to equitable resource distribution. He criticized the previous government for failing to deliver on its Agenda 111 hospital promises and said the NDC would prioritize upgrading existing facilities, including those in the Savannah Region, to ensure quality healthcare access for all.
“We have not come to dictate where regional hospitals should be sited, but we are here to listen, observe, and advocate,” he clarified, stressing that decisions on siting new facilities should involve all relevant stakeholders.
The visit was described by Dr. Agboadoh as timely and essential, allowing the legislators to see first-hand the realities on the ground. He expressed hope that their presence would lead to legislative and ministerial actions to address longstanding issues.
As the delegation departed, some patients and caregivers at the hospital expressed optimism following the visit. Mr. Kwame, a caregiver from the West Gonja Municipality, said, “Seeing our leaders come here gives us hope. We just want action to follow the visit. This hospital has served us well, but it needs more support to continue saving lives.”
The visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has raised important conversations about healthcare delivery in Ghana’s newer regions, especially the challenges faced by faith-based facilities, and has brought renewed attention to Damongo’s critical need for infrastructural and resource support.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Gogu Edwin/0555588660
