Health Ministry rejects claims of abandoning newly qualified doctors

The Ministry of Health has rejected allegations that Ghana is training medical doctors and then abandoning them due to delays in recruitment and employment. In a statement on November 5, the Ministry clarified that established processes are in place to facilitate the transition of newly qualified doctors and dentists from housemanship into permanent service.

A spokesperson for the Ministry, Tony Goodman, Esq., emphasized that public discussions about these matters should be based on accurate information. The Ministry explained that recruitment and posting of house officers are jointly carried out by the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana and the Ministry of Health. They noted that three batches of medical doctors had started housemanship in 2026, depending on their graduation dates and the completion of necessary processes.

The Ministry rejected the claim that newly qualified doctors were left idle for years, stating that they begin mandatory practical training after completing all required steps. Housemanship is a structured two-year program designed to give newly qualified doctors and dentists practical experience at different healthcare levels. The first year is spent in secondary and tertiary facilities, while the second year offers exposure to district-level care.

The Ministry clarified that financial clearance for the entire two-year housemanship program is secured before the first year begins, eliminating the need for separate approval for the second year. Permanent employment after housemanship is facilitated through an arrangement with the Ministry of Finance, ensuring a smooth transition.

The Ministry is currently recruiting the 36th Batch of Medical Officers and Dentists and preparing for the 37th Batch, whose members recently received permanent registration. The Ministry highlighted changes to its recruitment system, noting that actual vacancies across health facilities are identified before recruitment begins, ensuring that postings are based on genuine needs rather than indiscriminate placements.

The regulatory framework for medical education and housemanship was defended, stating that admission to medical schools is subject to regulatory oversight by the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring doctors serve in underserved areas and maintaining sustainable arrangements for training, recruitment, and deployment of medical professionals.