The Western Region is falling significantly short of global healthcare standards, as a critical shortage of doctors continues to impact service delivery across the region.
The region is currently recording a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:14,134, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended benchmark of 1:1,000 for effective primary healthcare coverage. Health officials warn that the situation could impact service delivery if urgent steps are not taken.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Western Regional Health Service’s 2025 Annual Performance Review in Takoradi, Regional Health Director, Dr. Marion Okoh Owusu, expressed concern over the declining number of doctors assigned to the area.
“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.
According to the Regional Health Directorate, the limited number of medical professionals continues to widen the gap between healthcare demand and available services, particularly in underserved communities.
Dr. Okoh Owusu emphasized the role of local stakeholders in reversing the trend, urging community leaders to support efforts aimed at retaining health professionals in the region.
Despite the staffing challenges, the region has recorded some positive outcomes. The Health Director noted a decline in maternal mortality rates, alongside improvements in child health and general service delivery.
“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 government is taking steps to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the region.
“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.
Authorities remain hopeful that ongoing infrastructure projects, coupled with improved conditions for health workers, will help address the staffing gaps and enhance healthcare delivery in the region.
