Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced a significant increase in the number of doctors willing to work in deprived communities, revealing that more than 100 medical officers have accepted rural postings in 2026, compared to only 12 in 2024.
Speaking at the annual conference of Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) in Koforidua, the minister described the development as encouraging progress in efforts to address healthcare staffing shortages in underserved areas. However, he noted that several districts across the country still do not have a single medical doctor.
Mr. Akandoh explained that government has implemented difficult but necessary measures to improve the distribution of healthcare personnel nationwide, emphasizing that some decisions may not always be popular but are essential for long-term improvements in healthcare delivery.
While welcoming the rise in rural postings, he acknowledged that significant challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach communities.
The minister commended CHAG for its continued commitment to providing healthcare in some of the country’s most underserved areas, where access to health services is often limited by poor infrastructure and other challenges. He said the association’s work demonstrates the importance of deploying and retaining health professionals in rural communities.
Mr. Akandoh further indicated that the success of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme will depend not only on infrastructure and medical equipment but also on the availability of qualified health workers across the country.
He explained that the programme aims to strengthen preventive healthcare through community-based services, including regular screening for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, health education, and early disease detection.
The minister also encouraged healthcare workers to continue treating patients with compassion, dignity, and professionalism, noting that their contributions remain vital to improving health outcomes nationwide.
He added that nearly 39 million patient visits were recorded at health facilities across Ghana in 2025, describing the figure as evidence of the dedication and sacrifices made by health workers throughout the country. Government, he said, remains committed to creating an environment that supports quality healthcare delivery while working to further improve staffing levels in deprived communities.
Source: myjoyonline.com
