The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has directed all public teaching hospitals to immediately commence 24-hour operations at their Out-Patient Departments (OPDs), laboratories, and diagnostic centres in line with the government’s 24-hour health service policy.
The directive was announced during a sector-wide health management retreat, which brought together senior officials and institutional heads to review performance and outline priorities for the years ahead.
Mr. Akandoh also instructed the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to fast-track the accreditation of the Sunyani Regional Hospital as a teaching hospital. He said the move would ease pressure on existing teaching hospitals, enhance clinical training, and expand access to specialised healthcare services.
“The NHIA and HeFRA are accordingly directed to treat the Sunyani Regional Hospital as a teaching hospital and not as just any hospital. All teaching hospitals must urgently begin operating 24-hour OPD and laboratory services in line with the President’s 24-hour health service policy,” the Minister stated.
The Health Minister said government priorities in the sector are focused on key reforms and targeted interventions aimed at improving access, strengthening coordination, and enhancing service delivery nationwide.
He stressed the need for health institutions to align their budgets, operational plans, and objectives with these priorities to meet public expectations and improve sector performance.
“This two-day retreat provides a timely opportunity to take stock of progress, address implementation gaps, and reposition towards clearly defined targets for 2026 and beyond,” Mr. Akandoh said.
“I urge you to demonstrate renewed commitment, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and uphold accountability as we work together to advance the government’s health agenda and deliver better outcomes for citizens.”
He added that effective policy implementation must move beyond planning to coordinated action, urging health facilities to respond more directly to public needs by expanding access to essential services.
By Nana Achiaa Aboagye
