Milton Keynes:The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) is advocating for the creation of a formal Ghana Diaspora Health Compact to enhance healthcare delivery through collaboration with Ghanaian health professionals in the United Kingdom.
According to Ghana Web, GMA President Professor Ernest Yorke highlighted the importance of this proposed agreement, emphasizing its role in coordinating diaspora contributions to align them with Ghana's healthcare needs. He presented this proposal at a conference organized by the Ghanaian Doctors and Dentists Association UK (GDDA-UK) at the Leonardo Hotel.
The GMA is pushing for a structured Diaspora Health Compact involving government and professional associations in both Ghana and the UK. This initiative aims to address gaps in specialist care by matching them with available expertise. As part of this proposal, a register of Ghanaian health professionals in the UK would be established, along with a simplified temporary licensing process for those wishing to practice in Ghana. Joint research programs are also part of the plan.
Professor Yorke pointed out that the current lack of coordination among diaspora groups, hospitals, charities, and individual specialists often leads to duplicated efforts that do not fully address Ghana's healthcare needs. He advocated for stronger partnerships between the UK National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and Ghanaian health facilities to support training, staff exchanges, and telemedicine services.
He further proposed strengthening existing institutional partnerships through long-term arrangements rather than short-term projects, suggesting a shift to endowment-based partnerships between NHS trusts and Ghanaian hospitals. Scheduled specialist outreach programs in areas such as cancer care, kidney treatment, paediatric surgery, and mental health were also recommended.
Professor Yorke called on Ghanaian health professionals in the UK to engage in research, invest in health infrastructure, and advocate for Ghana's healthcare needs in international policy discussions. He emphasized that the diaspora's role should extend beyond medical missions and equipment donations to building lasting partnerships for improved healthcare delivery.
He acknowledged the contributions of diaspora remittances and professionals to Ghana's health sector, stressing the need for a more organized approach to enhance their impact. The proposed compact and partnerships aim to improve access to specialist care and support Ghana’s efforts towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.