Atebubu Municipal Hospital reports changing disease patterns amid infrastructure challenges

The Atebubu Municipal Hospital says it is witnessing a notable shift in the health conditions being reported at the facility, with malaria cases declining while typhoid, diarrhoeal diseases, and non-communicable diseases are becoming increasingly prominent.

The Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Abdullah Osman Musah, disclosed this in an interview with Atom Radio on “Wo Nie Na Me Nie”, where he highlighted improvements in the hospital’s services as well as some of the challenges confronting the facility.

Dr. Osman said the hospital has built on the work of previous administrations and expanded the range of services available to residents. These include physiotherapy, dental care, ear, nose and throat (ENT) services, and wellness screening.

He explained that the wellness programme provides free screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cervical cancer, while maternal and child healthcare services have also been strengthened.

Changing Disease Patterns
On the changing disease pattern, Dr. Osman said malaria has gradually moved down the hospital’s list of frequently recorded conditions.

He explained that malaria ranked fourth among the top cases recorded two years ago, fifth last year, and had dropped to about seventh place in the hospital’s mid-year review in June 2026.

He attributed the decline partly to the distribution of treated mosquito nets, continued public education on malaria prevention, and the ongoing new RTS,S malaria therapy being implemented in the municipality by the Kintampo Health Research Centre team.

Typhoid and diarrhoeal diseases, however, are now among the leading conditions being recorded at the hospital. Dr. Osman Musah attributed the trend partly to concerns about water quality, food hygiene, and sanitation, noting that stakeholders in the municipality are working to address these challenges.

The Medical Superintendent also expressed concern about the increasing number of stroke and heart attack cases associated with hypertension and diabetes in recent years. He said the situation has resulted in significant deaths, particularly among men, and noted that some men do not seek regular medical check-ups.

He therefore urged residents to take routine health screening seriously and seek medical attention early, before health conditions become critical.

Road Traffic Accidents
Road traffic accidents are another concern for the hospital. Dr. Osman said accident cases are being recorded almost every day, placing additional demands on the facility’s emergency services.

Customer Care and Complaints Management as well as Misconception*

Dr. Osman also addressed concerns raised by some residents about the hospital, including claims surrounding certain surgical procedures and alleged improper charges to patients.

He advised patients who have questions about services or payments to seek clarification directly from the hospital rather than relying on information circulating within the community.

He explained that the facility has an open customer-care system through which patients and their relatives can lodge complaints concerning healthcare services or interactions with health workers for management’s attention.

Infrastructure Challenges
Meanwhile, infrastructure remains a major challenge for the hospital. Dr. Osman mentioned inadequate office space and accommodation for doctors and nurses, but singled out the absence of a fully functional Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as one of the hospital’s most pressing needs.

He said establishing an ICU would improve the hospital’s capacity to manage critically ill patients and reduce the number of cases requiring referral to facilities outside the municipality.

As an interim measure, the hospital has established a High Dependency Unit (HDU) to provide closer monitoring and support for seriously ill patients.

Dr. Osman Musah commended residents who have supported the development of the hospital and appealed for additional assistance from individuals, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders.

He said support for the facility should not be left entirely to government, particularly because Atebubu Municipal Hospital serves as an important transfer point for patients from communities within the far-east enclave.

Dr. Osman believes that continued support from the community and development partners will help the hospital address its infrastructure needs and further strengthen healthcare delivery to residents and surrounding communities.