Bono East Health Directo advocates for improved staff welfare to strengthen healthcare delivery

Dr. Freeman Samson Samani, the Bono East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, has called for enhanced welfare and support systems for health professionals, emphasizing that staff wellbeing is fundamental to delivering quality healthcare.

Speaking during his welcome address at the 2025 Health Sector Annual Performance Review in the Bono East Region, Dr. Samani stated that a motivated and well-supported workforce is essential for improving maternal, newborn, and non-communicable disease (NCD) outcomes through a strengthened primary healthcare system.

He underscored guidance from the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, who has consistently prioritized staff welfare within the health system.

“As I conclude, Nana Chair, we have also been reminded, very importantly, by the Director-General of Ghana Health Service, to pay closer attention to staff welfare. He reminds us that, as health workers, we are not only providers of care, but we are also potential patients. We fall sick, we get tired, and we experience stress just like the people we serve,” Dr. Samani said.

He explained that this reality makes it essential for health institutions to take deliberate steps to safeguard the physical and mental wellbeing of staff, as this directly impacts service delivery.

As part of efforts to address these challenges, Dr. Samani announced the rollout of the Employee Assistance Program, an initiative aimed at identifying and responding to stress and psychosocial issues among health workers.

“Therefore, when we say, ‘your health, our concern,’ we must also ensure that our health is our concern. This is why the Employee Assistance Program is being rolled out to help identify and respond to stress and psychosocial challenges among staff,” he stated.

The Regional Health Director further urged District Directors and Medical Superintendents to ensure the continued functionality of staff clinics across the region, describing them as essential to maintaining the health of workers. He also called for fairness and professionalism in human resource management, particularly regarding postings, promotions, and staff conversions.

“I therefore urge District Directors and Medical Superintendents to ensure the continued functioning of staff clinics across the region, expedite the promotion and conversion of qualified staff, and ensure that postings are used to improve service delivery and not as punishment,” he said.

According to Dr. Samani, a motivated and well-supported workforce is key to strengthening the overall health system and improving patient outcomes.

“This is because when staff feel supported and valued, they give their maximum best, and the system becomes stronger,” he stated.

The annual performance review was held under the theme “Improving Maternal and Newborn Health and NCD Outcomes through Quality and Accessible Primary Health Care.”