Ghana's Health Sector Sees Gains in Maternal Care and Oxygen Supply Amid Shifting Disease Patterns

Ghana’s healthcare landscape is undergoing significant transformation as the Ashanti Region reports a substantial decline in maternal mortality and industrial innovations stabilize the supply of critical medical oxygen. In the first half of 2026, the Ashanti Region recorded a 25% drop in institutional maternal mortality, with the rate falling from 199.5 to 148.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Regional Director of Health Services, attributed this progress to enhanced clinical interventions, improved peripheral health facilities, and strengthened clinical mentorship. While the region also saw a decline in stillbirth rates and a rise in total live births, health officials noted that the current mortality rate still remains above the national target of 125 per 100,000.

Complementing these clinical improvements is a major shift in medical logistics led by Indo-Ghana Industries Limited. The company has successfully transitioned from a cylinder-based distribution system to a storage-based liquid medical oxygen supply, with Lekma Hospital in Teshie becoming the first facility to receive a local delivery. This new system utilizes a cryogenic storage method that allows hospitals to maintain a consistent oxygen supply for up to three months. According to Varun Tyagi, Managing Director of Indo-Ghana Industries, this expansion addresses the logistical bottlenecks and reliability issues associated with traditional cylinder transport. Clinical staff at Lekma Hospital report that the innovation has already ensured a constant flow and pressure of oxygen, directly improving patient care.

However, the healthcare sector continues to face evolving epidemiological and infrastructural challenges. At the Atebubu Municipal Hospital, Medical Superintendent Dr. Abdullah Osman Musah reported a notable shift in disease patterns; while malaria cases are declining due to public health initiatives, there is a worrying rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as stroke and heart disease, alongside typhoid and diarrhoeal infections. This transition to lifestyle-related illnesses is compounded by infrastructure gaps, including the absence of a functional Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the municipal level, which remains a critical hurdle for emergency care.

These developments highlight a dual reality for Ghanaian healthcare: significant strides in maternal health and supply chain reliability are being met by the emerging threat of chronic diseases and persistent infrastructure deficits. As the Ashanti Region works toward meeting national mortality targets and Indo-Ghana Industries scales its liquid oxygen distribution, the focus for health authorities is increasingly shifting toward strengthening lower-level facilities. Addressing the rise in NCDs and closing the ICU equipment gap will be essential next steps in ensuring that the gains made in primary healthcare and medical logistics translate into comprehensive wellness for all citizens.