Atwima-Mponua, one of the most deprived districts in the Ashanti Region, has signaled its determination to increase family planning acceptance among the population.

Mr. George Kwadwo Kyei-Fram, the District Health Director, described the current acceptance rate as low and said one of their priorities was to work hard to change the situation.

He did not give figures except to say that it was a huge challenge that needed to be tackled with urgency and seriousness.

He was speaking at a mid-year health performance review meeting held at Nyinahin.

It brought together the major stakeholders, including health professionals, chiefs and community opinion leaders.

Mr. Kyei-Fram complained of broken down motorbikes, inadequate funding and lack of residential accommodation as some of the challenges being faced to bring quality healthcare to the people.

Their other problems are inadequate health workers, doctors, midwives and medical assistants.

He said these notwithstanding, they were determined to work with zeal and commitment to improve the health of the predominantly farming population.

Dr. Isifu Alhassan, Senior Medical Superintendent of the District Government Hospital, said the situation was tough, since the facility has been forced to survive largely on internally generated funds as funds from the government keeps shrinking.

Mrs. Rahimatu Mamle, a Nurse at the Saakrom Health Center, appealed to the District Assembly to build a suitable structure for the Centre, instead of the abandoned cocoa shed it was now operating from.