4 CHPS Compounds Commissioned in Yilo Krobo to Boost Access to Primary Healthcare

CHPS Compounds: Four Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds have been officially commissioned in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region, marking a significant step towards improving access to quality primary healthcare at the community level.

The newly commissioned health facilities, each equipped with nurses’ accommodation, will serve the communities of Aketebour, Aboa Osuboninya, Akorwi, Bana, and Aboabo. Prior to this development, residents of these predominantly rural and farming communities faced serious challenges in accessing basic healthcare services, often travelling long distances to urban centres to seek medical attention.

Improving Healthcare Access in Underserved Communities

For years, limited healthcare infrastructure in these communities meant delayed treatment, increased health risks, and higher transportation costs for residents, especially pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and the elderly. With the commissioning of the four CHPS compounds, essential health services are now available closer to where people live, significantly reducing barriers to care.

The facilities are expected to provide a wide range of primary healthcare services, including:

• Maternal and child health care
• Antenatal and postnatal services
• Immunisation and child welfare clinics
• Disease prevention and health education
• Early detection and treatment of common illnesses

These services are critical to improving health outcomes and reducing preventable deaths in rural communities.

Government Commitment to Grassroots Healthcare

The commissioning ceremony was led by the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Adjei Awatey, alongside the Yilo Krobo Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Francis Addo Akumatey, and the Municipal Health Director, with participation from traditional leaders, health workers, and community members.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Rita Adjei Awatey underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the region, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

“Government remains committed to improving healthcare delivery across the Eastern Region. CHPS compounds play a critical role in preventive healthcare, early disease detection, and the provision of maternal and child health services,” she stated.

She further emphasized that the construction and commissioning of CHPS compounds form part of broader national efforts to decentralise healthcare services and ensure that no community is left behind.

Supporting Health Workers for Efficient Service Delivery

As part of the initiative to improve healthcare delivery, a nurses’ quarters at Klo Agogo was also commissioned to provide decent accommodation for health personnel. This move is expected to enhance staff retention, improve response times during emergencies, and ensure continuous healthcare service delivery within the community.

Hon. Awatey stressed that investments in health infrastructure must go hand in hand with quality, efficient, and compassionate service delivery.

“Building facilities alone is not enough. We expect healthcare workers to provide quality services that meet the needs of the people and justify the investments made,” she noted.

Local Authorities Highlight Impact of CHPS Expansion

The Yilo Krobo Municipal Chief Executive, Francis Addo Akumatey, described the expansion of healthcare from Community-based Health Planning (CHP) zones to fully functional CHPS compounds as a major milestone in addressing healthcare gaps in underserved communities.

He explained that bringing healthcare closer to residents helps reduce geographic barriers, promotes early healthcare-seeking behaviour, and ultimately improves overall community health outcomes.

“This intervention is pivotal in ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, especially for vulnerable populations in rural communities,” he said.

Residents Welcome the Development

Residents of the beneficiary communities expressed excitement and gratitude over the commissioning of the facilities. Many described the development as a long-awaited relief, noting that the presence of health facilities within their communities will save time, reduce transportation costs, and potentially save lives.

Community members pledged to support and protect the facilities to ensure their sustainability and effective operation.

Aligning with Global Health Goals

The commissioning of the CHPS compounds aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8, which calls on governments to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that all people have access to quality healthcare services when and where they need them, without financial hardship, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).

By expanding primary healthcare infrastructure at the grassroots level, the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving health equity, strengthening preventive healthcare, and enhancing the wellbeing of communities across Ghana.

Source: 3news.com

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