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HEALTH

Nyinahin Government hospital organizes Townhall meeting

For the first time in its history, the management of Nyinahin Government Hospital has organized a stakeholder meeting on the 22nd of May 2024 at the Nyinahin D/A school park to address the challenges facing the hospital and to find lasting solutions to improve its reputation.

Date Created : 5/24/2024 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Jephthah Sarfo/ ghanadistricts.com

The meeting, described as a perpetual novelty by hospital administrators, brought together key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and chart a path forward for the premier hospital in the district.

In his welcome address, Mr. Agyen Asiedu, the hospital administrator, acknowledged the institution's shortcomings and expressed a commitment to addressing them. He highlighted that the hospital had handled 16,333 outpatient cases and 1,638 admissions, despite a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:54,000 – far below the ideal 1:10,000. Mr. Asiedu also pointed out the staffing challenges, noting the hospital's reliance on only four laboratory staff and the shortage of nurses and midwives, which has placed considerable stress on the existing staff.

Mr. Asiedu raised concerns about visitors abusing visiting hours, forcibly entering wards during doctors' rounds and the encroachment of hospital lands by locals. However, he commended the management for acquiring a new ambulance to supplement the one provided by the Ghana Ambulance Service and for securing an anesthesia machine through lobbying efforts.

Nana Oti Boadua II, the Akwamuhene of the Nyinahin Traditional Council, urged the hospital management to improve their services to restore the confidence of the local population, who often seek healthcare from CHPS compounds, health centers, and even travel to other districts. He also called on landlords to offer reasonable rent prices to attract more hospital staff. He further questioned the low turnout of such an important event that has been the talk of the town folks in recent times.

Isaac Kofi Marfo, the District Chief Executive (DCE), emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean environment to prevent pandemics and urged the environmental office to enforce cleanliness and proper waste disposal. He criticized the rising use of mobile phones by nurses during duty hours, which he said disrupts patient care, and called for management to address this issue.

During the open forum, attendees voiced concerns about unprofessional behavior and absenteeism among medical staff, high charges despite health insurance, negligence leading to deaths, and extortion amongst others. The hospital management led by the medical superintendent, Dr. Isaac Boamah, addressed many of these issues and promised to tackle the remaining ones urgently. They encouraged the community to report any misconduct without fear of retribution to help improve the hospital's operations.

Nana Yaw Osiaban Barima, the chief of Yawbarimakrom, praised the management for initiating this engagement and recommended regular stakeholder meetings to reduce information gaps and ensure continuous supervision and ethical behavior at the facility. Present at the meeting were traditional authorities in Nyinahin, heads of departments of state agencies, clergy, politicians, professional bodies, media, and indigenes.

The town hall meeting marks a significant step towards improving the quality of healthcare at Nyinahin Government Hospital and restoring its standing in the community. The management's openness to feedback and commitment to addressing concerns are positive signs of progress for the hospital and its stakeholders.