By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Senior health officials of Ministry of Health reported a 45% reduction in maternal mortality alongside significant improvements in solar power supply and emergency referral services. However, they also raised concerns over bed shortages and staffing gaps during the Ministry of Health’s two-day Hospital Annual Performance Review held at Tokeh Beach, which concluded on Friday.
The meeting, convened by the Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services (DHAS), brought together hospital managers, the National Emergency Medical Service (NEMS), and technical units to assess performance in 2025 and set priorities for 2026.
Dr. Moses attributed the 45% decline in maternal mortality to the 300 Days of Activism campaign. He also noted improvements in reporting systems and service utilization. However, he highlighted key challenges, including overstretched hospital bed capacity, insufficient heated beds at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), the need for structured clinical mentorship, and increased pressure on the referral system.
Director Musa of DHAS reported that solar energy has now become the primary power source for hospitals, significantly reducing reliance on fuel and the national grid. He stated that solar electrification coverage has reached 70%, improving the reliability of theatres, laboratories, and cold chain systems. For 2026, he outlined priorities including expanding solar installations, strengthening infrastructure maintenance, and improving the use of data in hospital management.
On emergency referrals, Dr. Songoh of NEMS revealed that the service now handles nearly 2,000 calls per month. He also announced the introduction of a new tracking application that monitors ambulances in real time to reduce delays and improve response efficiency.
“Our goal is to ensure that every referral counts,” he said.
The Biomedical Technology Services Unit reported a 24% increase in outpatient visits and a 7.7% rise in bed capacity in 2025. It attributed these gains to infrastructure upgrades, workforce development, and improved data management. However, the under-five mortality rate recorded only a marginal decline due to delayed interventions, although overall trends are improving. The unit also noted that the doctor-to-patient ratio remains critically low, despite ongoing training of medical officers. Challenges in oxygen supply and data consistency with the District Health System were also highlighted.
Closing the second day of the review, Minister of Health Austin Demby emphasized the importance of clear roles, coordination, and teamwork within the health sector.
“During COVID-19, we learned that clear roles save lives,” he said. “The CEO is accountable for overall operations, but leadership must ensure collaboration among nurses, laboratory technicians, ambulance services, and all health teams to deliver comprehensive care.”
Dr. Demby stressed that health must remain central to national development through a strong continuum of primary, secondary, and tertiary care. He noted progress toward the Ministry’s 300-day target to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths, stating that the process was at day 67.
He also called for data-driven decision-making, efficient resource management, and increased domestic revenue generation.
“We must attract additional resources by demonstrating effective health outcomes. When we show results, partners will come,” he added.
The review concluded with hospital directors nationwide signing the performance register alongside the Minister of Health, who reaffirmed commitment to the targets set for 2026.
While officials praised progress in maternal health, solar energy expansion, and emergency response systems, they agreed that addressing bed capacity, staffing shortages, and clinical mentorship gaps remains critical to sustaining the gains achieved. The Ministry said follow-up actions will focus on closing these gaps ahead of the next annual review.