A Public Health Advocate and Country Director of the Aurum Institute Ghana, Nana Kofi Quakyi, has raised concerns over gaps in emergency healthcare delivery in Ghana, stating that only 4% of regional and district hospitals can provide airway intervention in emergencies.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, May 9, he referenced findings from the Harmonised Health Facility Assessment, which indicate that as of 2023, only a small fraction of facilities expected to provide emergency services had the essential equipment required for airway intervention.
He described the situation as “damning,” noting that airway management is a critical component of emergency care under the ABC principle to prevent airway obstruction and maintain breathing during medical emergencies
His comments come amid renewed public concern following the death of Charles Amissah, who allegedly died after being denied emergency treatment at three different hospitals.
Amissah was involved in a hit-and-run incident on February 6 and was taken to multiple health facilities for urgent care, but was reportedly refused admission and treatment.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over emergency care capacity, referral systems, and the overall readiness of health facilities to respond to critical cases.
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