Bawumia engages Ghana Medical Association on health workforce and licensing concerns

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has met with the leadership of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) at the GMA House within Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. This meeting is part of his ongoing consultations with stakeholders on national issues, particularly those affecting Ghana's healthcare sector.

The dialogue, led by GMA President Professor Dr Ernest Yorke, centered on challenges such as healthcare delivery, working conditions for medical professionals, and the proposed changes to licensing requirements. Key issues discussed included the retention of health workers, the migration of health professionals, remuneration, and distribution of doctors to underserved areas.

Attention was also given to emergency preparedness, conditions of service, and allowances for deprived areas. A significant topic was the introduction of an additional licensing examination for locally trained doctors, amid broader concerns about the training, regulation, and retention of health professionals in Ghana. The GMA has previously expressed concerns over workforce shortages and difficulties in attracting doctors to underserved regions, advocating for stronger incentives and improved social amenities to encourage professionals to take up rural postings.

The meeting also examined the potential role of the private sector in bolstering Ghana's healthcare system. Dr Bawumia expressed that the engagement was fruitful and highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in national healthcare policy, suggesting that the proposals discussed could guide changes to enhance healthcare delivery and the conditions of service for medical professionals.

This meeting is part of Dr Bawumia's broader policy consultation process, which has included discussions with other professional and business groups, such as traders and importers, on their respective concerns. Health workforce challenges and professional regulation are key issues that will be considered in future policy discussions.