Access to specialist healthcare in Ghana’s Central Region is becoming increasingly difficult, as health authorities grapple with a growing shortage of trained specialists across key facilities.
The Central Regional Director of Health Services, Alberta Adjabeng Biritwum, says the challenge is not due to doctors rejecting postings, but rather a limited national pool of specialists and persistent retention issues within the region.
According to her, a significant number of doctors who are granted study leave to pursue specialist training fail to return, while those who do often settle in major urban centres, leaving many parts of the region underserved.
The result is a widening gap in access to specialised care, with some facilities unable to provide critical services.
Rural Areas Hit Hardest
The burden is being felt most in rural communities, where patients are increasingly forced to:
- Travel long distances for specialist care
- Endure delays in treatment
- Rely on referrals to already congested urban hospitals
Health officials warn that this imbalance is placing additional pressure on regional facilities, while also raising concerns about equitable access to healthcare.
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System Strain and Service Gaps
Mrs. Biritwum revealed that certain specialist services are now virtually unavailable in parts of the region, affecting the overall quality and timeliness of care.
The situation reflects a broader national challenge, where the demand for specialised medical services continues to outpace supply.
Recent health sector discussions across major platforms have also highlighted:
- Ongoing brain drain concerns within the medical profession
- The concentration of specialists in Accra and other major cities
- Growing pressure on regional health systems to bridge the gap
New Plan: Training Specialists Locally
In response, the Regional Health Directorate is turning to a long-term, homegrown solution.
Mrs. Biritwum disclosed plans to leverage the Trauma and Specialist Hospital as a training hub, aimed at building local capacity and improving retention of specialists within the region.
The initiative is expected to:
- Increase the number of specialists trained locally
- Encourage professionals to remain within the region
- Reduce dependence on external placements
She expressed optimism that, over time, the strategy will help stabilise specialist availability and improve healthcare delivery.
A Growing Concern
While the proposed measures offer hope, the immediate reality remains challenging.
With fewer specialists available and demand continuing to rise, access to specialised care in the Central Region is becoming increasingly constrained, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Health officials say sustained intervention, policy support and improved incentives will be critical to reversing the trend.
