A Paediatric Cardiologist Specialist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has called for increased investment in specialist training as Ghana continues to record a rise in cardiovascular diseases, placing growing pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
The increasing burden of heart-related conditions is exposing the shortage of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons nationwide, making it difficult for many patients to access timely and specialised care.
The limited number of specialists has also forced some patients to seek treatment abroad due to inadequate local expertise, equipment, and treatment options.
At KATH, only a handful of paediatric heart specialists are available to manage cases referred from across the country. Similar challenges exist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and other healthcare facilities where specialised cardiac services remain limited.
Health professionals are therefore urging the government and stakeholders to invest in the training of more cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, while improving access to essential medicines, medical technology, and equipment needed for effective treatment.
Speaking on the challenge, a Paediatric Cardiologist Specialist at KATH, Dr. Christiana Adu Takyi, said the rising number of referrals has placed a significant burden on the few specialists currently available.
She explained that many children diagnosed with complex heart conditions require advanced procedures that are not yet available in Ghana, forcing families to seek treatment in countries such as India.
“The number of cases we receive keeps increasing, but the specialists and resources available are limited. Some children need procedures that we cannot provide here, so they have to be referred outside the country,” Dr. Adu Takyi stated.
The appeal was made during the annual paediatric conference organised by the Directorate of Child Health at KATH on June 18, 2026, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The conference, themed “Early Diagnosis, Timely Referral: Improving Paediatric Cardiac Outcomes in Ghana,” sought to promote early detection, diagnosis, and management of heart conditions among children. Experts believe that early identification of cardiac problems can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Samuel Blag Ngual, Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, KNUST, raised concerns about the financial burden associated with cardiac treatment.
According to him, the high cost of managing heart diseases prevents many patients from accessing continuous care, contributing to avoidable complications and deaths.
“Cardiac treatment is expensive, and many patients struggle to sustain their care. We need stronger support systems to ensure that people do not lose their lives because they cannot afford treatment,” Dr. Ngual said.
He called on policymakers and stakeholders to consider expanding coverage for cardiac services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) or establishing a dedicated fund to support patients living with heart-related conditions.
Health experts believe that strengthening Ghana’s cardiac healthcare system through specialist training, improved infrastructure, modern equipment, and enhanced financial support will be critical in addressing the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in the country.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
