The Orthopedic Association of Ghana has issued a dire warning regarding the state of orthopedic and rehabilitation services in the country’s healthcare sector.
Despite a rising prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions and disabilities, the Association notes that orthopedic and rehabilitation services are in a critical condition due to a shortage of certified orthopedic surgeons, outdated equipment, and inadequate logistics and facilities.
Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), revealed that approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, which are the leading cause of disability globally with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability in 160 countries.
Addressing a gathering at the 2024 Annual General Conference by the Orthopedic Association of Ghana held in Kwahu of the Eastern Region, under the theme; “Combating Musculoskeletal Disability: The Role of the Orthopaedic Surgeon,” President of the Association, Dr. Raphael Kuma-Ametepe, urged the government to prioritize training and retaining more orthopedic surgeons and enhance orthopedic and rehabilitation services to ensure holistic quality healthcare delivery.
Dr. Kuma-Ametepe expressed disappointment at the inadequate number of rehabilitation centers in Ghana, which undermines the efforts of orthopedic surgeons.
A Trauma Surgeon at Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Senior Lecturer at KNUST, Dr. Peter Konadu, emphasized the need for more training centers to address the shortage of orthopedic trauma surgeons in the country.
He also advocated for the inclusion of some orthopedic services in the National Health Insurance Scheme to encourage individuals to seek professional care rather than resorting to traditional bone setters which worsens their conditions.
In a speech read on his behalf, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye, acknowledged that rehabilitation services are a crucial component of quality healthcare delivery.
He announced that the Physicians and Surgeons College has developed new programs to train more trauma surgeons and hinted at plans by the National Health Insurance Authority to include rehabilitation services in the scheme.
For Ghana to meet Universal Health Coverage by 2030, there is the need for more investment in orthopedic and rehabilitation services to meet the growing demand in the country to reduce musculoskeletal disabilities.
Source:Penttvnewsroom
