The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has commended the management and staff of St Anne’s Catholic Hospital in Damongo for their exceptional dedication to quality healthcare delivery, despite ongoing logistical and financial challenges.

During a working visit to the facility as part of a nationwide assessment of healthcare institutions, Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Dr Sandaare Sebastian, praised the hospital’s efforts, describing it as a pillar in the region’s healthcare system, particularly in serving remote and underserved communities.

“St Anne’s is doing an exceptional job. We have seen the challenges, but we have also witnessed the dedication and professionalism of the staff,” Dr Sebastian said, pledging Parliament’s support to ensure the hospital receives the necessary resources to continue its vital work.

St Anne’s Hospital, under the umbrella of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), is the largest referral facility in the Savannah Region, catering to over 60,000 residents. Despite limited support, the hospital has become renowned for performing groundbreaking surgeries and upholding high ethical standards in healthcare.

The visit also served as a platform for advocacy. Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Angkyier, Catholic Bishop of the Damongo Diocese, called for a fairer allocation of health resources between CHAG and government-run facilities. He noted that although CHAG institutions contribute nearly 30 percent of healthcare services nationwide, they are often overlooked in the distribution of equipment and infrastructure support.

“Beyond the payment of salaries, CHAG facilities are left to struggle with inadequate medical supplies and equipment,” the Bishop said. “We need fairness to strengthen healthcare delivery across the board.”

Dr Nelson Agboadoh, Medical Director of St Anne’s, highlighted the hospital’s ambition to advance from level four to level five healthcare service delivery. He appealed for financial clearance for additional staff, improved staff accommodation, and essential medical equipment to sustain and expand services.

The visit concluded with renewed calls for strategic support and collaboration to empower regional healthcare institutions like St Anne’s, which play a crucial role in advancing Ghana’s health outcomes.

Credit: Graphic Online