Health Care
Although Ghana has an extensive system of public hospitals and clinics, and has introduced a national health insurance scheme, access to quality health care is not universal or free. Only the most basic services are free, and the quality of care is uneven and inconsistent. Many Ghanaians, especially in rural areas, effectively have no access to modern health care. Instead they often rely on traditional herbalism, which is fine for many acute or chronic health conditions, but not for all.
There are no statistics available on the health status of the people of Dagbamete; but malaria, diarrhea, diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts and physical deformities are common. Several premature deaths due to undiagnosed or misdiagnosed conditions have occurred in recent years.
The nearest hospital is in Abor, about 4 km away. The mission hospital is perceived by the villagers to be discriminatory against the residents of Dagbamete, most of whom are not Christian. Villagers prefer not to go there unless there is no other option. Instead they prefer to go to a hospital in Akatsi, about 14 km away via the road to Adrakpo. But the Akatsi hospitals are chronically understaffed, so villagers who can afford the high cost will go to a modern hospital in Aflao or Accra. Faced with these choices, many villagers choose not to go the a hospital unless their condition is dire. The concepts of regular checkups and early diagnosis and treatment is unfamiliar to them, and deaths due to preventable serious diseases are not uncommon.
Dagbamete Medical Centre
Recognizing that adequate access to quality health care in the village is essential, the elders decided to establish a medical centre staffed with qualified nurses and doctors. Without government assistance, the village erected a building in 2014 on land provided by the village to serve as the clinic and laboratory. The village also built separate living quarters for the nurses and doctors. Currently, the facility is registered with the Ghana Ministry of Health as a Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compound, but it is waiting for approval to operate as a fully qualified medical facility. In the meantime the village is continuing to acquire equipment and supplies needed to become fully operational. Already the medical centre is staffed by a physician assistant and nurses who are providing basic medical services for the village. A laboratory equipped with an advanced blood analysis machine, microscope, and other equipment and staffed by a lab technician is now operating.
So far the medical centre has received a variety of donated medical equipment from the U.K. and Canada, including blood pressure monitors, examination tables, beds, wheel chairs, as well as an array of medical supplies. More equipment is needed and donations of good new or used equipment are always welcome.
Dagbamete Medical Centre Staff
Currently, the Dagbamete Medical Centre has a physician assistant, five nurses, two midwives, and a laboratory technician. The physician assistant identifies and treats diseases and injuries, orders diagnostic tests, and prescribes medicines. The registered nurse conducts physical exams, takes case histories, provides counseling and coordinates treatment. The community health nurse provides family planning and counselling, and makes home visits. The community health nurse is responsible for collection and recording of vital statistics, counselling, health education, home visits, and home-based care in the community. The enrolled nurses conduct patient consultations, treats minor illnesses, dresses wounds, and educates patients. The medical laboratory technician conducts blood and urine tests.
 |
 |
 |
| Juliet Bonnah Physician assistant |
Gifty Zodjenu Registered nurse |
Patience Klokpa Community health nurse |
 |
 |
 |
| Calip Ahlijah Enrolled nurse |
Josephine Deho Enrolled nurse |
Moses Adams Enrolled nurse |
 |
 |
 |
| Anita Osei Midwife |
Etornam Logo Midwife |
Jake Korley Adjaottor Medical laboratory technician |