Gbefi community appeals for a laboratory to enhance healthcare 

The chiefs and people of the Gbefi Traditional Area in Kpando District are asking for a laboratory at their Community Health Planning Service (CHPS) facility.

They believe this addition would improve diagnosis and treatment. This, in turn, would enhance overall healthcare delivery.

The government previously built a CHPS Compound with a maternity unit in response to community calls for better health services.

While access to healthcare has improved, residents feel a lab is still needed for better diagnosis and treatment.

Midwife Genevieve Akorli shared that they often refer clients, especially pregnant women, to Kpando for tests and scans during antenatal visits.

She noted that this referral process causes them to lose clients. Many do not return because they prefer the services available in Kpando.

Togbega Akim VIII, the Paramount Chief of Gbefi, supported her claims. He mentioned that the absence of a lab technician and doctor limits healthcare services at the CHPS Compound.

He explained that clients in labor must be transferred to larger facilities when complications arise. This issue could be resolved by deploying qualified health professionals to their area.

He emphasized that having a lab and doctor would greatly improve healthcare delivery and protect lives.

“There is no lab or doctor at the CHPS Compound for serious cases,” he said. “I hope the government will build us a lab and provide a technician.”

He also praised organizers of a recent health screening exercise for checking malaria, typhoid, and hypertension among residents.

Richard Katapu, PRO for the Gbefi Paramount Chief, stated that this initiative aimed to educate residents about communicable diseases and general well-being.

“We focused on malaria education since it is prevalent here,” he added.

Patients diagnosed with conditions beyond local treatment capabilities were referred to larger facilities for care.

“The doctors are making referrals so those needing further treatment can get help,” he said.