The management and staff of the Bolgatanga East District Directorate of the Ghana Health Service have initiated an office expansion project of the directorate to address acute congestion and improve health service delivery in the area.

The self-help project, which is currently at the roofing stage, was started through the collective efforts of staff and support from two benefactors (names withheld) in the district.

However, work has stalled due to lack of funds to complete key components such as electrical works, plumbing, plastering, flooring, ceiling, and painting.

Ms Maria Mahama, the District Director of Health Services, told the media in an interview that the current office space was inadequate and was negatively affecting operations of the directorate.

According to her, the directorate currently operated from a small building with only three offices, one for the district director, one for accounts, and a general hall shared by several other units.

“Almost all our units are lumped together in two offices”, Ms Mahama explained.

“The accounts office hosts the accounts and part of the disease control units, while the general hall serves as a workspace for the health information, reproductive and child health, CHPS, health promotion, and stores units as well as reception for visitors.”

She indicated that the situation had compelled some units of the directorate such as the mental health unit to operate from separate facilities outside the directorate.

She added that the problem had further compelled the directorate to store medical commodities and logistics at other locations outside the building of the directorate.

Ms Mahama described the working conditions as challenging, noting that the lack of space made it difficult for staff to work effectively, hold confidential meetings, or store vital records and logistics properly.

“To improve service delivery, we initiated an office extension project, and with the help of some kind-hearted individuals in the district, we managed to roof it. But we still need help to complete it so that the staff can have a conducive environment to work, monitor, document, and report timely,” she appealed.

She called on individuals, organisations, and benevolent groups to support the completion of the building to enhance administrative efficiency and health service delivery in the Bolgatanga East District.