By Jones Anlimah
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), Dr. John Tampuori, has reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to becoming a premier medical tourism destination in Ghana, citing progress in key healthcare indicators despite challenges.
Speaking at the hospital’s 2024 Annual Performance Review, Dr. Tampuori said the facility recorded a significant increase in outpatient department (OPD) attendance, rising from 211,104 in 2023 to 212,129 in 2024. However, he acknowledged concerns over increased attrition among staff, with separations rising from 63 in 2023 to 83 in 2024.
“Despite the increase in human resources, we have also experienced an increase in attrition and separation. But we remain steadfast in our efforts to retain and attract the best talent to deliver innovative tertiary healthcare, medical education, and research,” he said.
The theme for the 2024 Annual Performance Review, “Focusing on Stakeholder Participation in Innovative Tertiary Healthcare for Medical Tourism,” also featured discussions on the hospital’s medical tourism potential and the need to promote it.
Dr. Tampuori emphasized the hospital’s strategic roadmap, which includes adopting international healthcare standards, expanding community outreach, and investing in research and development.
“As we move forward together, I am confident that we can transcend challenges and transform this hospital into a premier medical tourism hub, generating significant foreign exchange revenue for this country,” he added.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, commended the hospital’s efforts and pledged the regional administration’s support in achieving the medical tourism vision.
“To achieve this, we will need to work together, leveraging our collective expertise and resources to drive innovation and improvement. We will need to foster stronger partnerships between government, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure that our healthcare system is responsive to the needs of all Ghanaians,” he said.
He added, “I am pleased to announce that the government will be launching a new initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to specialized care, as stated in paragraph 686 of the 2025 budget. Ho Teaching Hospital will be upgraded to provide comprehensive specialist services, improving regional access to advanced medical care. This initiative will include investments in new equipment, training programs for healthcare professionals, allied health staff, support staff, and community outreach initiatives. In addition, the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme by our government will ensure adequate funding to support our people in accessing more healthcare.”
The Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Chrysantus Kubio, also lauded the hospital’s performance but stressed the need to address maternal mortality, which saw a slight increase from 18 deaths in 2023 to 20 in 2024. Dr. Kubio further underscored the need for increased stakeholder engagement to improve healthcare delivery and attract international patients to Ho Teaching Hospital.
The review highlighted several gains, including a rise in bed occupancy from 68.9% in 2023 to 73.5% in 2024, an increase in radiology procedures from 19,622 to 20,050, and improved neonatal outcomes, with deaths reducing from 63 to 55 per 1,000 live births. However, challenges such as the reduction in live births and the slight decline in the number of surgeries performed were also highlighted.
The Coordinator of Medical Tourism at Ho Teaching Hospital, Mr. Anthony Bells Kafui, delivered a presentation on the hospital’s medical tourism potential, highlighting its specialized services, infrastructure, and prospects for attracting international patients.
