The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has expressed concern over the low reporting rate of medical doctors posted to the Oti Region, revealing that only a handful of the 25 doctors deployed have reported for duty.
Speaking during a working visit to the region, Mr Akandoh described the situation as worrying, particularly as several health facilities are operating without a single doctor. He dismissed suggestions that postings to rural and underserved areas amount to punishment, stressing that such deployments are essential to achieving equitable healthcare delivery across the country.
According to the Minister, the Ministry’s deployment policy is guided by need, with priority given to communities facing critical healthcare shortages. He emphasized that no exceptions would be made outside the established deployment process.
Mr Akandoh also called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the region to help improve accommodation and provide incentives to attract and retain medical professionals.
He further raised concerns about health indicators in the Oti Region, describing it as one of the most deprived areas in terms of healthcare outcomes nationwide.
As part of the visit, the Minister inspected the site for the proposed Oti Regional Hospital and urged the Regional Coordinating Council to expedite all land documentation to enable construction to commence within the year. He also visited the Dambai Polyclinic, where he encouraged health workers to remain committed to providing essential services to the people.
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