Allied Health Professions Council Shuts Six Ho Facilities as Regional Minister Enhances Teaching Hospital Access

The healthcare landscape in the Volta Region is undergoing significant changes as regulators enforce safety standards while regional authorities work to improve patient logistics. In a major crackdown on non-compliance, the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) has closed six private health facilities in the Ho Zonal Area. Simultaneously, the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has moved to enhance accessibility at the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) by providing specialized transport for patients navigating the facility’s expansive grounds.

The AHPC’s enforcement action targeted facilities found to be operating without basic regulatory and safety requirements, most notably a lack of approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The closed institutions include Grace Diagnostic Center, Eagles Lancet and Imaging Center, RD Access Laboratories, Elysa Diagnostic, Professional Eye Care, and Bestlab Diagnostic. Registrar Professor Issahaku Shirazu emphasized that documented protocols are indispensable for ensuring patient safety and the quality of medical equipment use. To prevent further disruptions to healthcare delivery, the Council has pledged to assist practitioners in these facilities to develop the necessary protocols required to meet national standards.

In a separate effort to improve the patient experience, Volta Regional Minister James Gunu donated two passenger tricycles to the Ho Teaching Hospital. This donation was in direct response to a request from the hospital's Governing Board to establish an internal shuttle service. The initiative is designed to alleviate the physical burden on elderly and mobility-challenged patients who previously had to walk long distances between various hospital units. Beyond the physical benefit, hospital officials noted that the shuttle service would boost patient dignity and allow clinical staff to remain focused on direct medical care rather than assisting with internal patient movements.

These developments highlight a dual-track approach to healthcare in the region: rigorous oversight to maintain safety and proactive investment to improve service delivery. While the AHPC's closures serve as a stern warning to providers about the necessity of regulatory compliance, the collaborative effort between the Regional Coordinating Council and the Ho Teaching Hospital reflects a commitment to patient-centered care. Moving forward, the regional administration has called on other stakeholders to contribute to healthcare improvements, ensuring that the Volta Region remains a hub for safe and accessible medical services.