Joy Sustainability Month: Gov’t should focus on health infrastructure in the lower tier, GhIE urges

Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) Vice President Ing Dr Patrick Amoah Bekoe has called on the government to prioritize improving health infrastructure at the lower tier of the healthcare system. He highlighted the poor state of health infrastructure in the country, particularly the ambulance-to-population ratio of 1:84,000, and the doctor-to-patient ratio being below the World Health Organisation standard.

Amoah Bekoe emphasized that the primary assets in healthcare, such as primary care facilities, often serve as the first point of care for many people, particularly those in rural communities, and are crucial for timely access to essential healthcare services. He stressed that the government should focus on strengthening these lower-tier facilities as they are often in poor condition and face infrastructure challenges.

The GhIE leader also warned that inefficiencies in the healthcare system could result in deaths, long-term disabilities, and other social and economic losses. He attributed Ghana's infrastructure challenges to both poor funding management and the culture of allowing existing public assets to deteriorate before replacing them. Amoah Bekoe proposed establishing a council to ensure ministries, departments, and agencies prioritize maintenance when planning and implementing infrastructure projects, emphasizing the importance of asset preservation for sustainable development.