The Medical Director of the Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua (ERHK), Dr. Arko Akoto Ampaw, has disclosed that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to be the leading cause of death at the facility, urging Ghanaians to adopt healthier lifestyles to curb the trend.
Speaking at the hospital’s 2024 Annual Performance Review Meeting in Koforidua, Dr. Ampaw emphasized the alarming impact of NCDs such as stroke, heart failure, and renal disease, which claimed hundreds of lives last year.
He called on the public to prioritize healthy eating, regular exercise, and routine medical check-ups to reduce the risk of these life-threatening conditions.
According to the hospital’s 2023 report, the facility recorded 298,272 outpatient visits, with 86% of patients insured and 14% uninsured. The inpatient department saw 23,805 admissions, with 2,016 deaths, resulting in a 7.9% mortality rate. The hospital’s bed occupancy rate stood at 93.3%.
A detailed breakdown of mortality data showed that stroke (cerebrovascular accident) claimed 180 lives, while heart failure accounted for 102 deaths. Additionally, 100 premature infants did not survive, renal disease caused 96 deaths, and neoplasms (cancer-related conditions) led to 95 fatalities.
In an interview with GBC News, Dr. Ampaw reiterated that many of these deaths could be prevented through lifestyle modifications.
“Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol intake, and smoking are major contributors to these diseases,” he warned.
Dr. Ampaw also disclosed measures to address the preventable deaths, particularly in maternal health. He added that the hospital has introduced coaching and mentoring programs for healthcare providers.
The hospital’s Clinical Director, Dr. Amponsah Manu, also urged the media to collaborate closely with the hospital, encouraging journalists to seek clarifications before reporting complaints from patients.
The 2024 Annual Performance Review Meeting brought together hospital management, department heads, and members of the media to assess the facility’s performance over the past year and discuss measures to enhance healthcare delivery.
