By Mohamed J Kargbo
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has on March 20, announced the launch of a new initiative-the District Spotlight on Health Facilities.
The aim of the initiative is to enhance transparency, accountability, and public awareness regarding health services at the district level.
The initiative seeks to showcase the performance, challenges, and successes of health facilities throughout the country, fostering a stronger connection between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
Speaking to the press, Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby said the ministry will conduct comprehensive assessments of health facilities across various districts, focusing on key performance indicators, patient satisfaction, and the range of services offered.
He said each district will be highlighted in a monthly feature, detailing both quantitative and qualitative data, and providing citizens with critical insights into their local health resources.
“We believe that informed citizens are better equipped to advocate for their health needs and ensure that their concerns are addressed by healthcare providers,” he said
He also highlighted some of the key components of the initiative, including regular reports that would be released to showcase the performance metrics of health facilities, including patient care statistics, bed occupancy rates, and staffing levels.
He also cited community feedback through which rResidents will be encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences with local health facilities through surveys and community forums, which will be integrated into the assessments.
He further cited best practices that would shed light on innovative practices and successful programs at various health facilities that can serve as models for others.
He noted that the initiative aims to identify and address the challenges faced by health facilities, promoting collaborative solutions between the MOH, local governments, and community stakeholders.
Minister Demby ended by encouraging community members, local government officials, and health professionals to participate actively in the initiative, fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration in healthcare.
George Ameh from the World Health Organization commended the Ministry of Health for the Initiative, citing that they wanted to see how primary and secondary health care work within the districts and local services.
He said they would look at the health security, how district healthcare can prevent outbreaks in districts, prevention preparedness and responding to them at districts levels.
