Ho Teaching Hospital Addresses Rising Demand and Mortality Rates in Ghana

Ho Teaching Hospital aims to become Ghana’s medical tourism hub but faces challenges such as rising patient numbers, overcrowding, and increased mortality rates. Despite these challenges, the hospital reports growth in staff and outpatient visits, although total admissions have decreased. Initiatives to improve maternal and neonatal health are underway, alongside strategic partnerships to boost service quality and medical tourism. The hospital’s leadership remains optimistic about its future capabilities and contributions to healthcare in Ghana.

The Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) aspires to become Ghana’s leading medical tourism hub while facing challenges such as an increasing patient load, overcrowded wards, and rising mortality rates. During the 2024 Annual Performance Review Conference, Dr. John Tampuori, the CEO, reported significant advancements in the delivery of medical services despite these concerns, which have resulted in a shortage of hospital beds.

In addressing workforce dynamics, Dr. Tampuori noted a rise in HTH’s staff total from 1,532 in 2023 to 1,590 in 2024. He highlighted the issue of attrition among medical personnel, having increased from 63 to 83 within the same period, yet emphasized the hospital’s dedication to retaining skilled professionals to meet its healthcare objectives.

Patient engagement appears to be on the rise, with the Outpatient Department (OPD) visits increasing slightly from 211,104 in 2023 to 212,129 in 2024. However, total admissions saw a decline from 11,769 in 2023 to 10,936 in 2024, resulting in an increase in bed occupancy rates from 68.9% to 73.5%. Surgical interventions saw only a slight reduction, with procedures decreasing from 2,571 to 2,518.

The hospital is confronting serious maternal mortality issues, reporting an increase in maternal deaths from 18 to 20 between 2023 and 2024. This is concerning as it translates to a rate of 1,170 deaths per 100,000 live births. Conversely, neonatal mortality witnessed a positive decline, dropping from 63 deaths to 55, equating to 833 deaths per 1,000 live births.

HTH has also made progress in diagnostic services, with rises noted in radiology, ultrasound, and laboratory procedures. Dr. Tampuori acknowledged that total hospital deaths climbed from 1,002 to 1,010, raising the mortality rate from 8.6% to 9.4%, emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

In pursuit of enhanced service quality, HTH is establishing strategic collaborations with both local and global healthcare entities. Plans include adhering to international healthcare standards, expanding community outreach, and investing in research and development.

Mr. Kafui Kanyi, HTH’s Medical Tourism Coordinator, asserted the potential of Ghana’s health tourism sector, which could generate jobs across multiple sectors. He urged the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Arts to treat health tourism as a specialized sector to attract international patients, alongside measures for international accreditation and the establishment of a Health Tourism Coordination Unit.

With robust stakeholder engagement and governmental support, HTH’s leadership remains optimistic about solidifying its status as Ghana’s premier destination for medical tourism, whilst improving healthcare services for both local and international patients.

In conclusion, Ho Teaching Hospital is poised to enhance its service delivery amid increasing patient demands and rising mortality rates. The commitment to improving maternal and neonatal health is evident, alongside strategic initiatives in medical tourism. With the support of governmental and local stakeholders, HTH aims to position itself as a leading healthcare provider while enhancing its quality of services.

Original Source: gna.org.gh