In a major push to overhaul pre-hospital emergency care in remote communities, the Deputy CEO of NAS Dr. Patrick Inkoom-Colbelson, has wrapped up a high-stakes, multi-district tour of the Bono East Region.
On Day 2 of his working visit, the DCEO and his management team visited Prang in the Pru West District, Atebubu in the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality, Kajeji in Sene East, and Kwame Danso in the Sene West District.
Accompanied by a high-powered delegation, the DCEO was joined by Simmons Yussif Kewura, Deputy Director of Public Relations, Francis Nkebi (DCAEMT), Head of Fleet, Michael K. Badu (DCEAMT), Regional Administrative Manager, and Joseph Kolan Masawati, Principal Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and Deputy Regional Administrative Manager.
The strategic tour focused on two critical fronts: rallying local political leadership to support emergency infrastructure and addressing the grueling frontline challenges faced by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) deployed to deprived areas.
Mobilizing Local Assembly Support
The delegation held intensive briefings with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and key local stakeholders. The central theme of these high-level meetings was sustainability and shared responsibility, with NAS leadership urging local assemblies to proactively support regional ambulance operations.
Top of the agenda was the urgent need for robust infrastructure, specifically standard office accommodations and secure stations to safeguard emergency vehicles and personnel. The MMDCEs pledged their commitment to bolstering the service, acknowledging that efficient ambulance operations are vital to rural healthcare delivery.
Frontline Agony: EMT Welfare Under the Microscope
Transitioning from administrative boardrooms to the frontlines, the DCEO and his team held transparent, open-floor town halls with the EMTs stationed in these districts. The staff dived straight into the harsh realities of rural deployment, raising pressing concerns, which were well noted by the DCEO and would be appropriately channeled to management for necessary action.
Addressing the staff, the DCEO lauded the EMTs for their unwavering resilience and sacrifice, emphasizing that timely care saves lives only because of their dedication. He assured the personnel that management is actively auditing these challenges and is working with the government and all stakeholders to roll out sustainable welfare and incentive packages.
The tour marks a renewed commitment by the NAS leadership to bridge the emergency healthcare gap between Ghana’s urban centers and its most vulnerable rural communities.
