The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has urged the government to equip teaching hospitals across the country with the necessary medical equipment to improve healthcare delivery and enhance patient care.
The call follows concerns over resource challenges facing some of Ghana’s major referral health facilities, with the Committee stressing that inadequate equipment affects the ability of healthcare professionals to provide quality services.
PAC Chairman, James Klutse Avedzi, said teaching hospitals must be given the needed support because they serve as the backbone of Ghana’s healthcare system.
“We need to resource our teaching hospitals with the necessary medical equipment because these facilities handle critical cases from across the country,” he said.
He added that the absence of modern equipment places additional pressure on health workers and can negatively affect patient outcomes.
“When doctors and other health professionals do not have the tools they need, it becomes difficult for them to deliver the quality of healthcare expected by Ghanaians,” Mr Avedzi stated.
The Committee also raised concerns about the poor maintenance of medical equipment in some health facilities, noting that expensive machines often become unusable due to neglect and lack of technical support.
“We cannot continue to procure equipment and allow them to break down because there are no maintenance plans in place. We must ensure that what we acquire continues to serve its purpose,” he said.
PAC further called on the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to improve monitoring of resources allocated to the health sector to ensure value for money.
“The issue is not only about buying equipment; it is also about ensuring proper management, maintenance and accountability,” Mr Avedzi added.
The Committee stressed that strengthening teaching hospitals is essential to improving specialised healthcare services, reducing pressure on medical facilities and ensuring better outcomes for patients.
