Bawumia calls for major shift in Ghana’s healthcare policies
Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has held discussions with the National Executive Committee of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) at the GMA House at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The meeting formed part of Dr Bawumia’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders and identifiable groups across the country.
GMA President, Professor (Dr) Ernest Yorke, and members of the executive leadership highlighted several challenges confronting medical doctors and Ghana’s healthcare sector.
The issues raised included the retention of health professionals, remuneration, the unequal distribution of medical doctors, infrastructure deficits, emergency preparedness, conditions of service, deprived-area allowances, the role of the private sector, and the Medical and Dental Council’s licensing examination requirements for doctors.
Following the engagement, Dr Bawumia said the discussions had reinforced his view that Ghana needs a paradigm shift in its healthcare policies.
He said several ideas were presented during the meeting which, if implemented, could bring significant improvements to the welfare of doctors and the healthcare sector.
“Some brilliant ideas were put on the table and I am very encouraged that when implemented they will be transformational for the welfare of doctors and the health sector as a whole,” he said in a Facebook post after the meeting.
Dr Bawumia stressed that healthcare delivery requires a collaborative approach, expressing appreciation to the GMA leadership and its members for their contributions.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the President, the executive leadership, and members of the GMA for their invaluable insights, candor, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the Ghanaian people,” he said.
He added that stakeholders must continue working together to build a resilient and patient-centred healthcare system that serves communities across the country.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
