The Western Region is currently grappling with a doctor to patient ratio of 1:14,134 as opposed to the WHO benchmark ratio of 1:1000 population for primary health coverage, according to the Regional Health Directorate.
The Director, Dr. Marion Okoh Owusu who is concerned about this reveals that only 14 medical doctors were posted to the region in the latest recruitment exercise, yet not all of them reported.
According to the Western Regional Health Directorate, the declining number of health workers posted to its facilities is having a dire impact on the doctor-to-patient ratio.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Western Regional Health Service’s 2025 Annual Performance Review meeting in Takoradi, Dr. Marion Okoh Owusu, who lamented that only 14 medical doctors were posted to the region in the latest recruitment exercise described the situation as a major public health concern that requires urgent attention to improve healthcare delivery across the region.
“Our number of health workers continues to decline, so we must make the region more attractive to them. In 2025, 14 doctors were posted to the region, but not all reported. This highlights the need for communities to support with accommodation and create a welcoming, convenient, and conducive environment that will encourage these doctors to stay and serve” she appealed.
Dr. Okoh Owusu has also called on community leaders and stakeholders to help create a conducive environment to attract and retain health professionals in underserved areas.
She noted however that there has been a decline in maternal mortality, despite the staffing challenges, an indication of improvement in the quality of healthcare services.
“In the 2025 assessment, we have recorded notable progress in maternal and child health, alongside significant improvements in overall service delivery, which is very encouraging.” She revealed.
Meanwhile, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, says efforts are underway to complete ongoing infrastructural facilities to enhance access to quality healthcare for residents.
“The government is committed to improving health infrastructure with major projects underway, including the construction of a new Western Regional Hospital, upgrading of Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital into a teaching hospital, and rehabilitation of the public health reference laboratory to boost research and surveillance”. He revealed.
By: Portia Cudjoe
