GLOWA conducts healthcare outreaches in four communities in Volta Region

Access to healthcare information and services remains a challenge for many women smallholder farmers, market women, and other marginalized groups.

Limited awareness of preventive healthcare, the Patients' Charter, and disability-friendly services makes health problems worse for people in rural areas who already struggle to get good care.

Additionally, inadequate advocacy strategies prevent marginalized groups from effectively demanding quality healthcare services.

In response, Global Action for Women Empowerment (GLOWA) in collaboration with the District Health Management Team (DHMT) and the Environmental Health Units of Ho Municipality and Adaklu District conducted sensitization outreaches in four communities to educate and empower these constituents on critical health issues, advocate for inclusive healthcare, and strengthen the capacity of health service providers.

The engagements aim to increase knowledge and understanding of patients’ rights, promote better hygiene and disease prevention, improve health behaviors among women and children, reduce preventable illnesses, enhance overall health outcomes, lower maternal and child mortality, and empower communities to make informed health and wellbeing decisions.

Participants of the different outreaches included market women, women smallholder farmers, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Traditional authorities, and representatives from the District Health Management Team.

Communities who benefited from the outreaches include Sokode Ando, Takla Gbogame in the Ho municipality, and Adaklu, Aziedukope, and Adaklu Goefe in the Adaklu District of the Volta Region.

During the community engagements, Shine Gavey Municipal Public Health officer in Ho, Madam Shine educated participants on the Patient Charter, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of patients and health workers. She addressed topics including access to quality healthcare, informed consent, confidentiality, and patients’ right to information. She noted that many people are unaware of these rights, so the session aimed to help them understand how to demand better service and take part in healthcare decisions.

The interactive sessions also emphasized patient responsibilities such as adhering to treatment plans, keeping medical appointments, providing contact information, and respecting healthcare workers. Participants were encouraged to ask questions during visits and follow facility rules to improve communication and cooperation with staff.

Madam Shine also educated participants on the importance of regular check-ups, healthy eating, avoiding alcohol and drugs, exercising, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Adding that, stress management is essential for good mental health as she encouraged participants to take charge of their well-being, noting that early detection and healthy habits can prevent many illnesses and lead to better health outcomes.

During the session at Takla Gborgame, the Paramount Chief of the Takla Traditional Area, Torgbe Ayim Adzokoto II, expressed deep concern about the poor attitudes and inefficiencies within the country's healthcare system. Speaking on patient experiences, he emphasized that visiting a hospital should bring comfort and hope, but instead, many people return more distressed than when they arrived.

Torgbe Ayim recounted his frustrations with hospital visits, stating that even at the Outpatient Department (OPD), patients are often left unattended for long periods. He described instances where nurses at the front desk appeared uninterested in the concerns of patients. "You go to the hospital, and even before they see you at OPD, you can wait hours without anyone asking what your problem is," he said.

He highlighted the emotional effect such neglect can take, particularly on individuals who are already unwell and mentally burdened. The Chief observed that the long waiting times, often without food or communication, lead many to avoid hospitals and choose self-medication, despite the risks. “Sometimes, after waiting all day, you go to the pharmacy, and they only give you paracetamol or tell you to buy the rest elsewhere,” he lamented.

The traditional leader called for a renewed sense of humanity among health professionals. He acknowledged the rigorous training that doctors and nurses undergo but insisted that the real issue lies in the lack of implementation of patient-centered care. “Doctors and nurses should remember that patients are not in their normal state—mentally or physically—so they must be handled with compassion,” he advised.

Torgbe Ayim also criticized how some healthcare officials take personal phone calls during working hours. He argued that patients deserve basic attention, like greetings or explanations, whenever they are delayed. “You wait for ten minutes and the nurse is on the phone. When you ask, she tells you the call is important. But how would I know if you don’t say anything?” he questioned.

He concluded by urging supervisors to ensure accountability within healthcare facilities, warning that a few negligent workers could tarnish the entire system. “It is because of us, the patients, that they are there,” he said. “Authorities must weed out the bad nuts to restore dignity and trust in our hospitals.”

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