Population growth outpacing Ghana’s health infrastructure – Physician

Ghana's health infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the country's rapidly growing population, according to Dr Henry Bulley, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Dr Bulley highlighted that the increasing demand for emergency services has placed significant pressure on existing facilities, equipment, and healthcare workers, impeding hospitals' ability to deliver timely care.

Korle Bu, a major referral center due to its specialist expertise and lower treatment costs, has become strained as the hospital's capacity has not expanded to match a population that has more than tripled since the hospital's establishment. Many patients are referred to Korle Bu from public and tertiary facilities due to financial constraints or the need for specialized care.

However, some patients are still directed to the Emergency Department instead of being sent to specialist wards, leading to overcrowded conditions and protracted waits for beds in more advanced units. Dr Bulley emphasized the critical need for increased investment in hospital expansion, additional bed capacity, and healthcare professional recruitment to accommodate the growing population.

He also advocated for the strengthening of district and regional hospitals to alleviate pressure on Korle Bu and facilitate access to quality care closer to patients' communities. Furthermore, Dr Bulley called for enhanced rehabilitation and mental health support, particularly for accident victims and their families, noting a shortage of psychologists available to provide necessary counseling.

He underscored the emotional toll on healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of debriefing sessions to support staff coping with the distress of patient deaths. Dr Bulley recounted an incident involving the transfer of a young woman between emergency units, which solidified his resolve to specialize in emergency medicine, advocating for an integrated emergency care system to stabilize critically ill patients before referral to specialists.

He stressed the necessity for policymakers to prioritize investment in emergency medicine, recognizing emergency physicians as essential healthcare workers available around the clock. Dr Bulley concluded by urging for greater infrastructure, personnel, and support service investments to ensure the health system can meet the demands of Ghana's burgeoning population.