Certified Assessors Graduate from SafeCare Training to Enhance Healthcare Delivery.

Accra: Some 19 assessors drawn from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have undergone intensive training at the SafeCare's Training Programme to help entrench quality healthcare services in the country's health facilities. The training, under the auspices of PharmAccess, represents a significant milestone in institutionalising quality healthcare delivery across Ghana's public health system.According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of GHS, spoke at the graduation ceremony for the assessors and highlighted that the certified assessors have been equipped to support healthcare facilities in assessing their performances, identifying gaps, and implementing targeted improvements. The training programme is part of SafeCare's global initiatives to improve the quality and safety of healthcare services.Dr Kuma-Aboagye noted that the training of the assessors signals the Service's commitment to addressing systemic gaps that have resulted in several lawsuits against some health faciliti es for negligence and substandard care. He explained that the assessors underwent intensive selection and training processes, which included regional nominations, classroom instruction, supervised assessments, and virtual sessions. He emphasized the importance of diligence in healthcare operations to avoid potential legal issues, as Ghanaians are becoming more aware of their rights.Judges are imposing significant fines due to negligence, and accounts are being garnished, Dr Kuma-Aboagye pointed out, stressing the urgency of addressing these gaps. The Service aims to make SafeCare systems a core aspect of its operations nationwide, linking service delivery to quality and safety, with every health worker empowered with quality improvement skills.The training facilitators from each of the 10 regions selected and submitted three districts with one network per district. Four eligible assessors were submitted by the 10 regions, with two shortlisted to represent each region. The training included a one-week clas sroom session, a supervised in-person assessment, and virtual meetings. The certified assessors will subsequently train others in implementing facilities in their respective regions and conduct quality improvement trainings.Dr Nicole Spieker, the Chief Executive Officer of PharmAccess and Founder of SafeCare, praised the GHS for prioritising quality healthcare delivery and highlighted the global implications of poor healthcare standards. She mentioned that globally, five million people die annually due to poor-quality healthcare, and three million die due to lack of access. Dr Spieker urged the GHS to continue its journey towards institutionalising quality improvement in healthcare delivery, noting that Ghana is setting an example for other African countries in the pursuit of universal health coverage.The newly certified assessors pledged to apply their skills to elevate healthcare standards in their respective regions. This milestone reflects a renewed commitment by the Ghana Health Service to prioritise quality, safety, and accountability in healthcare delivery, setting a benchmark for transformative healthcare practices in the country.