The Oti Regional Health Committee is actively mobilising support for a new regional medical store in Worawora. This facility is crucial for making Free Primary Healthcare accessible and sustainable across the region.
The initiative addresses a critical challenge: the persistent shortage and delayed distribution of essential medicines and supplies. A reliable storage and distribution system will ensure health facilities receive necessary items promptly. The region currently operates without its own central medical storage facility, relying on supplies from other regions.
This push comes as the Oti Region grapples with significant resource constraints, particularly in human resources. The region faces a shortfall of 3,592 health workers needed for optimal operation of its health facilities. This deficit affects service delivery, especially in hard-to-reach areas and places considerable pressure on the existing workforce.
Professor Mark Appiah, Chairman of the Oti Regional Health Committee, announced this initiative at the 2026 Half-Year Performance Review Meeting. He stressed that primary healthcare's effectiveness depends on how well resources reach communities. Professor Appiah highlighted that distance, transportation difficulties, and inadequate infrastructure hinder healthcare access for many residents. He stated, “In healthcare, having the prescription is not enough — the medicine must also be available.”
The proposed medical store will strengthen the region’s capacity to store and distribute health commodities. This will reduce delays and lessen dependence on external regions for supplies. Beyond the medical store, the Committee has also started securing legal titles for Ghana Health Service lands. This exercise, beginning in Worawora, aims to protect health sector properties from encroachment and future disputes.
Dr. Kofi Amo-Kodieh, Oti Regional Director of Health Services, welcomed the medical store proposal. He described it as potentially transformative for the region. Dr. Amo-Kodieh confirmed the Directorate's commitment to Free Primary Health Care despite resource limitations. He appealed to stakeholders, including natives, corporate organisations, and development partners, for support. He noted that government alone cannot bear the entire burden, and collective effort is essential. Support can include funding, building materials, logistics, and technical assistance.
The establishment of this medical store is vital for improving public health outcomes in Oti Region. It will directly impact the availability of medicines and reduce stock-outs at health facilities. Securing land titles also ensures future health infrastructure development is protected. These efforts are critical steps towards a more robust and equitable healthcare system for the region's residents.