Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says the nationwide deployment of more than 700 medical doctors is intended to ensure fairness in Ghana’s health system, not to punish newly posted officers.
According to him, the policy focuses on sending doctors to districts that urgently need medical personnel, and he appealed to officers to cooperate with the new deployment arrangements.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on December 1, he explained that President John Dramani Mahama directed that these doctors be sent to the districts.
He added that current distribution of doctors across the country is extremely imbalanced, with nearly half stationed in the Greater Accra Region.
“We’re distributing not less than 700 medical doctors across the lengths and breaths of this country.”
“His Excellency himself has directed that we send these medical doctors to where they are needed most especially the districts.”
“I’m sorry to say that we have almost 50% of the medical doctors in this country in the Greater Accra.”
He stressed that the initiative must not be interpreted as a punitive measure.
“Let me take this opportunity to appeal to the medical officers we’re posting at the moment not to see this policy as punishment but as an attempt for equitable distribution of the workforce.”
He added that the government will also provide the necessary working environment to support those deployed.
“Of course, government will also be seeking to provide that congenial atmosphere for you to deliver your work.”
