Facilities and resources for diabetes care at regional health facilities in southern Ghana

In the fall of 1995, each of the five provincial hospitals in southern Ghana was visited and facilities and resources for diabetes care assessed. In addition, health facilities and standards of care questionnaires were completed. Only Korle Bu Teaching Hospital run a diabetes clinic and had diabetologists. Only two facilities had an eye specialist or trained dietician. None of the five facilities had a trained diabetes educator or chiropodist. Except for sphygmomanometers, basic equipment for clinical care were lacking. Basic biochemistry tests were available at all facilities. Creatinine clearance and 24-h urine protein, glycated haemoglobin, fasting triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were available at only one centre. None of the facilities measured C-peptide, islet cell antibody and urine microalbumin. None of the facilities had chronic haemodialysis service. Insulin supply was erratic at two institutions. Three regions had active diabetes associations. The facilities and system of diabetes care in southern Ghana revealed in this study are far from satisfactory. Training of health care personnel in diabetes management and education may enhance diabetes care despite the existing constraints. Furthermore, the development of international and regional guidelines for facilities and resources may facilitate implementation of international resolutions and clinical practice guidelines. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.