CHPS concept needs to be replicated- Dr Appiah-Denkyira

Nyafoman (E/R), Feb. 9, GNA- The Eastern Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Ebenezer Appiah-Denkyira has suggested that the concept of Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) should be replicated throughout the country.

Dr Appiah-Denkyira said the concept would not only make the delivery of health services available to the people at their door steps, but would at the same time get communities involved in the planning of their health needs.

He commended Birim North District for being one of the tops in the country in the promotion of the concept.

He said given the deprived background of the district it was very encouraging to observe that, other districts and even people from outside the country had been going there to learn about the concept. The Regional Director said even though the region recorded 104 cases of maternal mortality last year, the district did not record a single case.

The Acting District Director of Health Services, Mr Tei Djangmah, said as a result of the concept and its acceptance by the people, services like antenatal care, child welfare clinic, treatment of minor ailments and health education had improved considerably.

This, he said, was due to the presence of Community Health Officers (CHOs) in, at least, five kilometres radius, to deliver health services at the doorsteps of the people.

Mr Djangmah observed that for the past three years, there has not been a single case of maternal death in the district due to the vigilance of CHOs and health volunteers.

He said the old system of people patronising quack doctors and drug peddlers associated with drug abuse have gradually been eliminated because of the confidence the people have in the concept. He said the support and involvement of the community have contributed to the success of the concept.

The chief of Nyafoman, Nana Amobaah Sasraku challenged parents to be responsible to the needs of their children.

This, he observed, would empower them, especially the girls, not to fall prey to irresponsible men who might tempt them with money and other materials in exchange for immoral practices.

It would also help reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS among the girls.

The Regional Health Insurance Co-ordinator, Mr George Kumi Kyeremeh advised the people to embrace the National Health Insurance Scheme, adding that it would help to take care of their health needs. Mr Kyeremeh observed that, the Kwahuman Mutual Health Insurance Scheme in the Kwahu South District was working well and called on other districts to adopt it.