Accra: The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured that the government is taking steps to improve the working conditions of medical doctors and other health professionals across the country. Speaking on Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen programme, he acknowledged that while challenges persist within the health sector, efforts are ongoing to enhance the welfare and motivation of health workers.
According to Ghana Web, the Minister explained that recruitment under the government's Free Primary Health Care initiative will be voluntary and more flexible. Nurses and other health workers will not be posted arbitrarily but will instead be allowed to choose where they want to work through an open recruitment portal before going through interviews. This approach aims to give health professionals greater control over their placements and improve job satisfaction.
The Minister emphasized that health professionals will have the opportunity to select their preferred healthcare provider and district through the portal, which will remain open until a set time limit is reached. Participation in this recruitment process will be voluntary.
In addition to recruitment reforms, discussions have been held with District Chief Executives to address accommodation challenges faced by health workers, which is a key factor affecting their motivation. The government is committed to utilizing current resources to improve conditions for medical doctors and enhance the overall well-being of healthcare workers.
The policy has undergone extensive consultations with stakeholders and has secured significant financial backing. Approximately GHS1.2 billion has been allocated for its implementation, with funding provisions included under the National Health Insurance Scheme formula currently before Parliament. The initiative will also focus on preventive care, with a range of screening services expected to be introduced to support early detection of diseases and improve health outcomes nationwide.