Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called for a major shift in Ghana’s healthcare policies following discussions with the leadership of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).
Dr Bawumia made the call after meeting the National Executive Committee of the GMA at the association’s headquarters at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
The meeting formed part of his ongoing consultations with key stakeholders and identifiable groups across the country.
According to Dr Bawumia, the discussions with the GMA leadership provided important insights into the challenges confronting medical doctors and the wider health sector.
He said the issues raised included the retention of health professionals, remuneration, the unequal distribution of doctors across the country, inadequate infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
Other concerns discussed were conditions of service, deprived area allowances, the role of the private sector in healthcare delivery and the Medical and Dental Council’s licensing examination requirements for doctors.
Dr Bawumia said the discussions had strengthened his conviction that Ghana requires a “paradigm shift” in its approach to healthcare policy.
He noted that several ideas were presented during the meeting which, if implemented, could have a significant impact on the welfare of medical doctors and the broader healthcare system.
“I am convinced that a paradigm shift is needed in our health care policies,” he said, adding that he was encouraged by the ideas presented by the GMA.
Dr Bawumia also stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in improving healthcare delivery.
He expressed gratitude to GMA President Professor (Dr) Ernest Yorke, the executive leadership and members of the association for what he described as their candid contributions and commitment to the wellbeing of Ghanaians.
He said the consultations would contribute to efforts to build a healthcare system that is robust, resilient and centred on patients.
