The Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (DBI) District Assembly in Ghana's Upper West Region is taking steps to improve healthcare delivery in the district. According to District Chief Executive (DCE) James Wor, the Assembly has undertaken several interventions to address critical challenges in the health sector. These efforts aim to enhance access to quality healthcare services, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. The Assembly's initiatives include constructing new health facilities, renovating existing ones, and providing medical equipment and logistics.
One of the major interventions is the construction of a theatre at the Daffiama Health Centre. The project is complete and awaiting equipment to become fully operational. This addition will improve access to surgical services in the area. Furthermore, the Assembly has completed and equipped a maternity ward facility at the Issa Polyclinic, the district's major referral centre. This project was initially stalled but was completed after receiving renewed attention.
The DBI District Assembly has also made significant investments in other healthcare facilities across the district. The Assembly has procured equipment for various units of the Issa Polyclinic and supplied delivery beds to Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and health centres. Additionally, a dilapidated doctor's bungalow at the Polyclinic has been renovated to provide accommodation for a medical doctor posted to the facility.
In addition to upgrading healthcare facilities, the Assembly has focused on improving access to clean water in the district. Twenty-four boreholes have been completed, with 15 of them mechanized to provide a reliable water supply to communities and health facilities. Five mechanized boreholes have been drilled at health centres and CHPS compounds, while eight others have been drilled in various communities.
The Assembly's efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure are part of a broader strategy to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Specifically, these initiatives will contribute to targets 3.1, 3.2, and 6.1, which focus on good health and well-being, and clean water and sanitation. The DBI District Assembly's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services is evident in its investments over the past one-and-a-half years.
The district's healthcare landscape is expected to benefit from several other projects. These include the renovation of a CHPS compound, completion of a community-initiated maternity block project at Sazie, and renovation of the Jimpense CHPS compound. The Assembly is also preparing to renovate a health centre at Kojokperi community, further demonstrating its dedication to enhancing healthcare services.
Overall, the DBI District Assembly's comprehensive approach to healthcare development aims to leave no stone unturned in ensuring timely access to quality healthcare services. With continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and services, the district is poised to make significant strides in improving the health and well-being of its residents.
Key points
- The Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District Assembly has invested in healthcare infrastructure upgrades.
- The upgrades aim to improve access to quality healthcare services in hard-to-reach communities.
- The initiatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on good health and well-being, and clean water and sanitation.
