ECG Hospital in Dambai Petitions Ghana Health Service for Staff Support to Relieve Financial Burden

The Evangelical Church of Ghana (ECG) Hospital in Dambai, located in the Oti Region, has issued an urgent appeal to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for the secondment of healthcare professionals to help sustain its operations. The facility is currently grappling with a significant financial crisis, as over 50% of its workforce is being paid through Internally Generated Funds (IGF). This heavy reliance on local revenue to meet payroll obligations has created a substantial strain on the hospital’s ability to invest in other critical areas of patient care and infrastructure.

Dr. Sonlaar Joseph, the Medical Superintendent at the ECG Hospital, explained that the current staffing model is unsustainable in the long term. By seconding GHS professionals to the facility, the hospital aims to maintain high standards of clinical excellence while reducing its internal wage burden. Dr. Joseph also called for the Oti Regional Directorate of Health Services and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) to facilitate placement opportunities for existing IGF-funded staff. He argued that such a move would provide these workers with job security and further enhance the hospital’s capacity to serve the growing needs of the Dambai community.

In response to these concerns, the Oti Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Kofi Amo-Kodieh, commended the hospital’s contributions to health delivery in the region. While acknowledging the staffing challenges, Dr. Amo-Kodieh emphasized the necessity of collaboration and suggested that the hospital further integrate into government healthcare programs. He also highlighted the importance of accurate data management as a vital tool for the Directorate to advocate for resources and ensure effective healthcare delivery across the region. This partnership is seen as essential for stabilizing the facility and ensuring residents continue to have access to reliable medical services.