Government to Deploy 80% of New Doctors to Rural Areas – Health Minister
Akandoh says the move aims to correct the overconcentration of doctors in Accra and Kumasi and improve healthcare in rural districts.
- 80% of 700 new junior doctors to be posted to district hospitals
- Move targets equitable healthcare delivery nationwide
- Health Minister donates anaesthetic machines to UGMC to boost services
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a major redistribution plan that will see 80% of newly posted junior doctors assigned to district hospitals across Ghana.
According to the Minister, this initiative — which affects about 700 junior doctors whose postings are currently being processed — seeks to correct the uneven distribution of healthcare professionals, as most doctors traditionally prefer to work in Accra and Kumasi.
Speaking at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) on Wednesday, November 5, Akandoh said the decision was difficult but crucial for ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare nationwide.
“We are determined to post not less than 80% of this batch of junior doctors to the districts. It is not an easy decision, but it is a necessary one,” he stated.
The Minister lamented that the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions currently absorb most of the country’s doctors, leaving rural and underserved communities struggling with poor health coverage. He said stakeholder consultations are underway to guide the fair redistribution of doctors across the country.
“Accra and Kumasi are choked. We will soon begin redistributing medical doctors nationwide. It’s a tough decision, but we must act,” he added.
As part of efforts to enhance health infrastructure, Mr. Akandoh also donated three anaesthetic machines to UGMC and directed their immediate installation to boost patient care.
