St. Theresa’s Catholic Hospital in Nandom has recorded one of its best performances in years, scoring over 91 per cent in the 2025 annual peer review assessment for district hospitals in the Upper West Region.
The review, held on November 19 at the hospital’s conference hall, brought together teams from Lawra, Gwollu, and Wellembelle hospitals, along with officials from the Regional Health Directorate.
Medical Superintendent Dr Sebastian Yidana Ninimiya said the exercise examined eight key thematic areas, including governance, clinical practice, infection prevention and control, quality improvement, client care and clinical services.
He described the hospital’s performance as highly impressive, noting that the jump from last year’s 76–78 per cent to above 91 per cent reflected stronger systems and improved standards of care.
Despite the achievement, Dr Ninimiya said the hospital is targeting a 100 per cent score in future reviews.
He, however, highlighted staffing as a major challenge.
Due to the facility’s location, attracting full-time skilled workers remains difficult, leaving the hospital dependent on about 75 casual staff each month—an arrangement that costs over GHC 100,000 from internally generated funds and puts pressure on the hospital’s budget.
While acknowledging minor shortcomings in the assessment tool, he said the feedback received would guide further improvements.
Representing the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nandom Municipal Manager Francis Baghr said the Authority’s participation in the review was part of the Ghana Health Service’s collaborative effort.
He reaffirmed NHIA’s commitment to supporting St. Theresa’s, the municipal referral hospital, in advancing Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Baghr stressed the need for clients’ NHIS cards to remain active, especially with the Ghana Card now fully linked to the scheme.
He revealed that NHIA tariffs have not seen a comprehensive review since 2003, but hinted at a major announcement before the end of the year.
He also reiterated the NHIA’s resolve to eliminate illegal charges such as co-payments and balance billing to restore public confidence in the scheme.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Health Directorate, Regional NCD Coordinator Mr. Anyagre Jonathan said the primary objective of the peer review was to strengthen systems for consistent quality healthcare delivery.
He praised St. Theresa’s for its 91.55% score and commended the efforts already underway to address identified gaps.
The ceremony was chaired by Ko Naa, Naa Domepeh Gyireh I, who represented the Nandom Naa.
He lauded the hospital’s management and staff for their dedication and significant improvement, stressing that quality healthcare is vital to the municipality’s development.
He also thanked the assessment teams for their continued guidance.
Retired staff of the hospital also attended the event, showing solidarity and pride in the facility’s progress, a testament to the strong foundation laid by past health workers.
By: MOHAMMED ABDULAI
