Government to Construct Modern Hospital in Yendi to Improve Healthcare Access

By: Ernest Afram

The government has unveiled plans to build a modern hospital in Yendi as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the Northern Region. The initiative, which was announced by President John Mahama during his thank-you visit to the Gbewaa Palace last Saturday, aims to enhance medical services and provide quality healthcare to residents at Yendi.

During his visit, President Mahama engaged with the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, and other traditional leaders, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure in the region. He emphasized the need for equitable distribution of healthcare facilities to ease the pressure on existing hospitals, particularly the Tamale Teaching Hospital, which currently serves as the main referral center for the Northern Region.

The proposed Yendi hospital is expected to be a fully equipped medical facility capable of handling a wide range of health conditions, from general medical care to emergency services and specialist treatments. It will significantly reduce the long travel distances many residents endure to access advanced healthcare in Tamale. According to President Mahama, decentralizing healthcare services will not only bring medical care closer to the people but also ensure that rural communities receive the same level of attention as urban centres.

In addition to constructing the new hospital in Yendi, the president announced plans to upgrade the Tamale Municipal Hospital and the Tamale Central Hospital. These planned upgrades will improve the region’s healthcare infrastructure, allowing medical facilities to better handle emergencies, provide specialized care, and enhance overall health outcomes.

“I can assure you, we are going to build a modern healthcare facility, In addition we intend to upgrade the old Tamale central hospital in order that it will ease the pressure on the Tamale teaching hospital” He said Health authorities in the region have welcomed the government’s plan, expressing optimism that the new facility in Yendi will help address some of the long-standing healthcare challenges faced by residents. Many have cited issues such as limited bed capacity, inadequate medical equipment, and an overburdened healthcare workforce as major concerns that need urgent attention. The new hospital is expected to address these challenges by providing state-of-the-art medical technology and training opportunities for healthcare professionals.