By Peter Agengre
The Nabdam District Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has launched its Network of Practice for the Nangodi and Pelungu sub-districts in the Upper East Region. It is an initiative to fast track the achievements of universal health coverage as contained in goal three of the SDG’s by 2030. Issues such as the lack of essential medicines and overcrowding at health facilities were identified as key challenges to healthcare delivery in the area.
The Network of Practice is a system connecting health facilities—both public and private—within a specific geographic area to maximize efficiency. Facilities are designated as hubs noted to be well-resourced health centers or spokes referring to CHPS compounds, chemical shops and traditional healers surrounding the hub health center. At the launch in Pelungu, the District Director of Health Services Maria Mahama explained that the Network of Practice is in place to improve on health service delivery by reducing avoidable mortalities through efficient referrals and by addressing healthcare access in communities.
“We are looking forward to an improved health care delivery in the Nabdam area. The Network of Practice is involving every individual and bodies that contribute in health. We have traditional healers, chemical shop operators, private health facilities, and the ambulance service, among others who play a significant role in the chain of Network of Practice. Together, I know we can avoid unnecessary deaths,” Madam Mahama explained.
A Physician Assistant at the Pelungu Health Centre Aloysius Ayinzemi told GBCNews that the Network of Practice would target relieving pressure on hospitals when health centres are properly equipped. He pointed out that some of the health centers in the Districts need a face-lift and expansion to handle the services they are expected to provide.
“The Pelungu Health Centre for instance do not have a place of convenience and that’s unhealthy for the people who access the facility. We would appreciate if this is put in place to avoid the outbreak of cholera and diarrhea. But the Network of Practice we can if not eliminate reduce the spread of preventable diseases,” He said.
A drama was enacted to communicate the chain in the network of practice. From the patient to the health facility and workers, referrals, the ambulance service to the traditional healers, all constitute a cycle that work in a network to ensure healthcare delivery in the communities. In launching the project, the Chief of Pelungu Naab Sierig Soore Sobil IV commended the health workers for their contributions to the wellbeing of the people in the area. He assured the directorate of his readiness to support them in the successful execution of the network of practice.
