St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital in Nkwanta is struggling to pay staff and cover operational costs, officials say.
The hospital employs around 310 staff, including pharmacists, sonographers and radiographers, many of whom are considered essential to its daily operations. About 50 staff are paid from internally generated funds, meaning the hospital must find money each month to meet their salaries.
The facility relies heavily on the National Health Insurance Scheme for income. However, administrator of the facility, Sr. Anastasia Acheamaa Okyere, told Catholic Trends many patients cannot afford the GHS 27 registration fee, leaving the hospital to treat, feed and sometimes transport patients for free.
Around half of these uninsured clients are also unable to pay their medical bills, placing further strain on resources.
Delays in insurance payments are also affecting the hospital’s finances, with some claims outstanding for months. Suppliers, meanwhile, are left waiting for payment, making it harder for the hospital to operate effectively.
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