The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has raised alarm over the growing decline in public confidence in the country’s healthcare system, warning that urgent reforms are needed to restore trust and improve service delivery.
According to the Service, complaints of poor patient care, lack of compassion from some health professionals, and unsatisfactory service delivery have been on the rise in recent years, with several cases escalating into lawsuits against the GHS.
To address these concerns, the GHS announced a raft of measures, including strict accountability for underperforming directors. The Service cautioned that absenteeism, weak supervision, and poor work practices will no longer be tolerated. At the same time, an award scheme will soon be introduced to recognise and reward health practitioners who demonstrate compassion and excellence in patient care.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Director-General at the 32nd Annual General Conference of the District Directors of Health Service Group in Kumasi, Dr. Kennedy Brightson acknowledged the significant contributions of district directors but urged them to intensify their efforts to rebuild trust.
“We must confront a difficult reality: public trust in our health services is deteriorating. Too many Ghanaians complain about our poor attitude, lack of leadership, weak supervision and delayed care. This dissatisfaction has led to lawsuits against the Service, draining huge sums of money that should have gone into improving care,” he said.
Dr. Brightson emphasised that district directors will now be held directly accountable for the quality of healthcare in their areas, adding that leadership failures at the local level can no longer be overlooked.
On his part, Dr. Justice Thomas Sevugu, National Chairman of the District Directors of Health Service Group, highlighted the logistical and financial challenges undermining healthcare delivery at the district level. He called on government and relevant authorities to provide sufficient operational funding, improved conditions of service, and essential medical equipment.
“As the base of the health system, the districts must be adequately resourced. With proper funding, logistics, and equipment, we can prepare effective emergency plans and ensure the system is ready to confront health challenges,” he said.
This year’s conference was held under the theme: “Enhancing Health Security in Ghana: Innovations, Preparedness, and Workforce Well-being for a Sustainable Future.”
