Residents of Funsi North Calls for Urgent Action to Improve Health Care Services

File Photo

Residents of Funsi North electoral area in the Wa East District of the Upper West Region have voiced serious concerns regarding the state of healthcare at the St. John’s Hospital in Funsi. During Info Radio recent community engagement with residents, they highlighted critical issues including frequent prescription of medicines and vaccines without accompanying supplies, compelling patients to purchase drugs from town or undertake long journeys to Wa or Tumu, an added hardship for the ill and their caregivers.

The community also criticized the effectiveness of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), revealing that many prescribed medications remain unavailable at the facility. Vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the economically disadvantaged are unable to fully benefit from the scheme, leading some residents to avoid seeking medical care altogether due to prohibitive out-of-pocket costs. The residents have called on health authorities to address the persistent drug shortages and restore confidence in the NHIS to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all.

The Residents also appealed for the posting of a Medical Doctor to their local health facility. They explained that the absence of a doctor hampers proper diagnosis and treatment, forcing many to travel extensive distances or rely on less-qualified staff, an arrangement that compromises the quality of care and timely medical intervention.

The community’s concerns were also raised during the 21st Biennial Plenary Assembly of TEPPCON in Wa-Tiegberi, where participants commended Rev. Fr. John Bosco Eledi for his notable contributions to community development through the Wa Catholic Diocesan Development Office (WACADDO). According to them, under his leadership, WACADDO has enhanced healthcare infrastructure by constructing a doctors’ bungalow and nurses’ quarters at St. John’s Health Center, with plans to further equip the facility with theater equipment. The office has also implemented sustainable water solutions by drilling solar-powered boreholes in communities such as Funsi, Lassie Tuolu, Yagah, Dapuori, and at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Jirapa, thereby strengthening healthcare delivery across the region.

The residents’ call for improved medical staffing, drug availability, and effective health insurance coverage underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare access and quality in Funsi North.