Bosomtwe District Assembly commissions nurses’ quarters to address rural health worker shortage

The Bosomtwe District Assembly in the Ashanti Region has recently commissioned a four-bedroom self-contained nurses' quarters at Bonkoko to tackle accommodation issues and enhance healthcare services in rural areas. Funded by the District Assemblies Common Fund, this initiative aims to incentivize nurses to work in rural communities, where inadequate accommodation has long been a significant obstacle.

According to the Assembly, a shortage of healthcare personnel in CHPS compounds of rural regions stems from the absence of proper living arrangements for medical staff. During the commissioning ceremony, the Bosomtwe District Chief Executive, Ing. Abdullah Hamidu, highlighted that the absence of suitable housing had discouraged some nurses posted to rural locales from reporting to their designated work areas.

The Assembly is leveraging the Common Fund to spearhead various development projects in rural communities, such as the construction of schools, provision of potable water, enhancement of healthcare facilities, and support for individuals with disabilities. Ing. Hamidu also mentioned that the Assembly is set to undertake multiple infrastructure projects in rural areas of the district, including educational institutions, water supply systems, healthcare infrastructure, and accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Sandra, the Deputy District Director of Health for Bosomtwe, expressed confidence that the provision of accommodation would entice more nurses to take up postings in rural settings, thereby improving healthcare delivery. Recalling the situation prior to the establishment of the nurses' quarters, Sandra noted that the Chief of Abrankese-Nyame Ani, Nana Opoku Amponsem II, had been renting two rooms for nurses posted to the Bonkoko CHPS compound, but the available facility was insufficient.

The chief emphasized the importance of maintaining the newly constructed nurses' quarters to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. He stressed that anyone experiencing issues with the facility should reach out to him to have them promptly addressed. The chief also urged the government, through the District Chief Executive, to revamp the road connecting the community to other parts of the district, asserting that better road infrastructure would facilitate additional progress in the Bosomtwe District.