Bolgatanga, Oct 7, GNA - The Upper East Regional has been suffering an acute shortage of medical doctors for the past three years, Dr Joseph Amankwah, Regional Director of Health Services has said.

Statistics indicate that in 2001, the doctor to patient ratio was one doctor to 42,747. It remained the same in 2002, but deteriorated in 2003 to one doctor to 50,041 patients.

Dr Amankwah stated these at a regional review meeting in Bolgatanga where he outlined the programme of work and performance of his outfit in the region.

He said out of 15 doctors posted to the region this year, only one actually reported at post.

He added that since 1995, no medical team has visited the region. Dr Amankwah gave the causes of high maternal deaths in the region to pregnant women reporting late to the hospitals with ruptured uterus, often resulting in haemorrhage and anaemia.

Other causes include abortions, protracted labour, sepsis and herbal intoxicants.

The Regional Director called for collaboration from partner agencies to help push the GHS programme forward.

On nurses, Dr Amankwah said they were not adequately motivated, compared to their counterparts elsewhere, and appealed for the provision of accommodation and means of transport to enable them stay and reach remote areas.