Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for a paradigm shift in Ghana’s healthcare policies to address challenges affecting the country’s health sector.
Dr Bawumia made the call after meeting 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 his ongoing consultations with key stakeholders and identifiable groups across the country.
During the engagement, GMA President, Professor (Dr) Ernest Yorke, and other executives highlighted several challenges confronting medical doctors and the wider health sector.
These included the retention of health professionals, remuneration, the unequal distribution of doctors, healthcare infrastructure, emergency preparedness, conditions of service and deprived-area allowances.
The discussions also touched on the role of the private sector in healthcare delivery and the requirement by the Medical and Dental Council for doctors to write licensing examinations.
Following the engagement, Dr Bawumia said the discussions had convinced him of the need for significant changes in the country’s approach to healthcare policy.
“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.
He stressed that healthcare delivery requires collaboration among key stakeholders, while expressing appreciation to the leadership and members of the GMA for their contributions.
“Together, we will continue to build a robust, resilient, and patient-centered healthcare system that leaves no community behind,” he said.
