'Only 5% of consultation rooms can diagnose patients, yet we build hospitals - Kwame Sarpong Asiedu

Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, a Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), has raised concerns about Ghana's healthcare system. He stated that only 5% of consultation rooms have the tools needed for proper diagnoses. Despite this, successive governments continue to build hospitals without addressing these issues.

Asiedu expressed his frustration on Joy News’ PM Express. He emphasized the need for honesty in politics. He referenced statements from Richard Salomey, General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), which are backed by official documents.

He pointed to a significant report: the Holistic Assessment of Health Program of Works. This report was endorsed by Ghana’s Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the Global Fund, and the World Health Organisation (WHO). It clearly states that only 5% of consultation rooms are adequately equipped.

Despite this alarming data, Asiedu noted that governments ignore it. They spend millions on building hospitals that lack functionality. “We jettisoned that report and went into building hospitals,” he said.

He urged health professionals to hold policymakers accountable. “If you make decisions contrary to health assessment reports, we will walk away,” he warned.

Asiedu also commented on leadership within the sector. He mentioned the recent removal of the CEO of Tamale Teaching Hospital. “I struggle to support the sacked CEO,” he said.

He questioned why leaders have remained silent despite knowing about these assessments. “We have colleagues overseeing a system prioritizing appearances over substance,” he added.

Asiedu insisted he had publicly shared his views before. “Nobody should be working under those facilities,” he stated firmly.

He believes there is a clear disconnect between evidence and political actions. “How do you sit down when those reports say what they say?” he asked rhetorically.

“We are building structures and calling them hospitals, but they cannot treat patients inside.”