Healthcare delivery in the Denkyira East and West Districts of the Central Region has become a major challenge for residents due to the unavailability of health facilities in the area.

For years, many residents have lived with severe health conditions, including eye infections, some of which have led to blindness.

Residents say the absence of specialists has left them with no option but to travel long distances to seek medical care, either to Bibiani in the Western North Region or to Cape Coast, the Central Regional capital.

High transportation costs and other constraints discourage many, particularly low-income earners, from seeking early medical attention, often resulting in serious complications.

Recent health screenings involving more than 6,000 people revealed a high prevalence of eye diseases in the area. Out of this number, 1,000 individuals were diagnosed with various stages of cataract.

The Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira West, Rudolf Amoako Gyampah, has intervened by facilitating free surgeries for residents suffering from cataract to help restore their sight.

While some cases are congenital, many are linked to ageing. Health experts, however, continue to advise the public to seek early medical care to prevent avoidable blindness.

Speaking to Class News, Mr Gyampah expressed concern over the lack of specialists in the area, noting that it contributes to delays in accessing healthcare.

He urged the government to complete and operationalise the Agenda 111 hospital project located in Diaso, stating that it would help address the healthcare challenges in the district.