New Patriotic Party flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has held discussions with the leadership of the Ghana Medical Association as part of his continuing consultations with professional bodies and other stakeholders on challenges confronting Ghana’s health sector.
The engagement took place at the GMA House at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and was led by the Association’s President, Professor Dr Ernest Yorke. The discussions centred on a range of concerns affecting healthcare delivery and the working conditions of medical professionals across the country.
Among the issues considered were the persistent challenge of retaining health professionals in Ghana, the migration of medical personnel abroad, remuneration, the distribution of doctors and other health workers to rural and underserved communities, and the country’s preparedness to respond effectively to emergencies.
The meeting also examined conditions of service for health professionals, deprived area allowances and the potential role of private sector institutions in expanding healthcare delivery. Another matter discussed was a proposal by the Medical and Dental Council to introduce an additional licensing examination for doctors trained locally.
The question of attracting and retaining doctors in underserved parts of the country has previously featured prominently in discussions within the medical profession. GMA President Ernest Yorke has said inadequate accommodation and limited social amenities can make rural postings less attractive to medical professionals, particularly in deprived communities.
Following the engagement, Dr Bawumia said the discussions had underscored the need to reconsider aspects of Ghana’s healthcare policy framework. He indicated that proposals emerging from the GMA could contribute to policy changes aimed at addressing challenges within the sector and improving conditions for medical professionals.
The engagement forms part of Dr Bawumia’s broader policy consultation programme through which he has been meeting professional associations, business groups and other stakeholders to gather views on sectoral challenges and possible policy responses. His recent consultations have included discussions with representatives of the trade and business community on issues such as the cost of doing business, port charges, taxation and access to credit.
The discussions with the GMA also come at a time when questions surrounding Ghana’s health workforce remain prominent, particularly concerns about the migration of trained professionals, unequal distribution of doctors and other specialists, and the conditions required to encourage medical personnel to serve in communities outside the major urban centres.
For the GMA, the concerns raised during the meeting reflect longstanding challenges that require coordinated interventions involving government, professional bodies and private sector institutions. The Association has previously called for greater investment in social amenities and health infrastructure in underserved communities as part of efforts to improve the distribution and retention of medical professionals.
The consultation therefore provided an opportunity for the NPP flagbearer and the medical association to exchange views on workforce policy, professional conditions, emergency preparedness and broader questions surrounding the organisation and financing of healthcare delivery in Ghana.
