Bawumia Calls for Shift in Ghana’s Healthcare Policies after GMA Engagement
Bawumia says GMA proposals highlight need to strengthen healthcare delivery and support medical professionals
The meeting, held at the GMA House at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, formed part of Dr Bawumia’s ongoing consultations with professional and other stakeholder groups on issues affecting national development.
Discussions, led by GMA President Professor Dr Ernest Yorke, focused on challenges facing medical professionals and the wider healthcare system.
Key issues included the retention and migration of health professionals, remuneration, the distribution of doctors to underserved areas, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, conditions of service and deprived-area allowances. The role of the private sector in healthcare delivery was also discussed.
The meeting further considered a proposal by the Medical and Dental Council for doctors to undertake an additional licensing examination, an issue that has generated discussion within the medical profession.
Following the engagement, Dr Bawumia said the discussions had strengthened his view that Ghana needs to rethink aspects of its healthcare policy.
“Following our discussions, I am convinced that a paradigm shift is needed in our health care policies,” he said.
He said several proposals presented during the meeting could improve the welfare of medical professionals and strengthen healthcare delivery if implemented.
Dr Bawumia also stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in addressing challenges within the health sector.
“Healthcare delivery is a collaborative mission,” he said, while thanking the GMA leadership and its members for their contributions and insights.
The discussions come amid concerns about Ghana’s ability to retain medical professionals and ensure their equitable distribution, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The engagement also examined emergency preparedness, healthcare infrastructure and ways the private sector could contribute more effectively to healthcare delivery.
Dr Bawumia said he was encouraged by the proposals presented by the GMA and expressed the hope that they could contribute to building a healthcare system that is robust, resilient and patient-centred.
He also emphasised the need to ensure that improvements in healthcare reach communities across the country, including areas that continue to face challenges in attracting and retaining medical professionals.
The meeting forms part of Dr Bawumia’s broader stakeholder consultations as he engages professional and interest groups on policy issues ahead of the 2028 general elections.
