Hon. Baba Jamal Engages District Health Management Team to Strengthen Healthcare Delivery in Ayawaso East

Ayawaso East Constituency, Tuesday, 9th June 2026 – As part of his ongoing institutional engagement programme, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Hon. Baba Jamal M.A., Esq., met with the District Health Management Team (DHMT) and heads of health institutions within the constituency to discuss strategies for improving healthcare delivery and addressing operational challenges confronting the health sector. The meeting was chaired by the District Health Director and brought together officials from the District Health Directorate, Nima Polyclinic, the Flagstaff House Medical Centre, the 37 Military Hospital, private health facilities, public health units, nursing services, finance, pharmacy, human resources and disease control departments. The MP was accompanied by members of his constituency team, including the MP Health Coordinator, Mr. Musah Ali, Research Officer, Mr. Zenifar Bernard, Hon. Baba Alhaji and other constituency officials. During the engagement, the District Health Management Team explained the structure of healthcare administration within the district, noting that health services are coordinated through three sub-districts-Nima, Nima East and Kanda, with all departments working collaboratively to improve public health outcomes across the constituency. The health professionals outlined a number of pressing challenges affecting service delivery. Among the major concerns raised were the lack of adequate community outreach structures such as chairs, canopies and tents for health education and screening programmes; shortages of essential medical equipment for monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels during community outreaches; and inadequate office infrastructure, including computers, printers, laptops and air conditioners required for effective administration and reporting. In his address, Hon. Baba Jamal expressed appreciation to the health workers for attending the meeting despite the heavy rains and commended them for their dedication to serving the people of Ayawaso East. He described Ayawaso East as the "Star Constituency," highlighting its strategic importance and unique characteristics, including its major national institutions, principal highways and diverse socio-economic communities. The MP observed that while parts of the constituency are relatively affluent, other communities continue to face significant socio-economic challenges. He acknowledged the difficult working conditions under which health professionals operate, particularly in deprived communities where poverty, poor sanitation and environmental conditions continue to affect public health. Hon. Baba Jamal encouraged the health workers not to measure their success solely by financial rewards but by the number of lives they impact through their service. He described healthcare as a calling comparable to religious service, stressing that the greatest legacy anyone can leave behind is a good name earned through selfless service to humanity. Addressing the gathering, he assured the health professionals of his unwavering support, declaring: "I have come to work with you." He further acknowledged the increasing number of vulnerable residents who visit his constituency office daily in search of medical and financial assistance, stating: "I receive more patients in my office than you receive here. I see these cases every day, and I know the kind of work you are doing." Hon. Baba Jamal assured the health workers that he remains committed to making healthcare one of his top priorities and announced a number of practical interventions to support the sector. He disclosed plans to secure rented premises to serve as temporary Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in underserved communities, explaining that suitable locations had already been identified in areas including Hot Coffee and Yeseyese. The MP also informed the meeting that development partners were expected to donate medical equipment later in the year to support healthcare delivery within the constituency. In addition, he pledged to personally provide computers and printers requested by the District Health Directorate to improve administrative efficiency. He further encouraged health managers to intensify public education on the availability of specialized services within the constituency, particularly dental and diagnostic services, noting that many residents remain unaware of facilities such as CT scan and dental services available at local health institutions. During the open discussion session, heads of various health institutions presented specific challenges requiring attention. The Medical Superintendent of Nima Polyclinic appealed for additional medical officers and specialists to improve service delivery, particularly in surgery, while also highlighting infrastructure challenges affecting the facility during heavy rainfall. She also reiterated the need to operationalize the constituency's proposed dialysis and dental units. Representatives from other institutions, including the Flagstaff House Medical Centre, the 37 Military Hospital, Leslie Pharmacy and Del Dental Clinic, raised concerns relating to staffing, referral systems, parking constraints, damaged dental equipment and opportunities for stronger collaboration among healthcare providers within the constituency. The issue of youth drug abuse also featured prominently during the discussions. Responding to the concerns raised, Hon. Baba Jamal described substance abuse as one of the most pressing social challenges confronting the constituency. He disclosed that plans were underway to collaborate with traditional leaders, religious leaders and community stakeholders to establish a structured intervention mechanism aimed at identifying affected communities, engaging young people and promoting rehabilitation through dialogue and community participation. The MP further announced that the dialysis machine intended for the constituency had already been secured and that efforts were ongoing to identify an appropriate location for its installation. He also assured stakeholders that his office would continue working with external partners to facilitate the importation of donated medical equipment by supporting processes such as tax exemptions where necessary. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by both the District Health Management Team and the Office of the Member of Parliament to strengthen collaboration, improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure that residents of Ayawaso East continue to receive accessible, efficient and quality healthcare services. Hon. Baba Jamal's engagement with the District Health Management Team reflects his commitment to building strong partnerships with healthcare providers and addressing the practical challenges confronting the health sector. Through dialogue, collaboration and targeted interventions, he continues to champion initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and enhancing the well-being of the people of Ayawaso East.