The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on the government to enhance incentives for medical doctors and other health professionals in the Upper East Region to curb the rising attrition rate and attract more practitioners to the area.
During a courtesy visit to the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, on Thursday, Dr. Zakari Adam, President of the Upper East Regional Branch of the GMA, outlined the difficulties faced by health workers in the region.
He noted that while some incentives exist, their irregular payment and lack of periodic reviews have made them inadequate for retaining medical professionals.
Dr. Adam emphasized that unattractive incentives, combined with negative media reports on issues such as the Bawku conflict, have discouraged health professionals accepting postings to the region. He urged the minister to ensure the timely disbursement and enhancement of these incentives to encourage retention.
Additionally, Dr. Adam highlighted the need for improved security for health workers in Bawku, where the attrition rate remains significantly high. He also called on the government to upgrade several health centers into hospitals, emphasizing that inadequate facilities and logistics negatively impacts both doctors’ motivation and professional growth.
“The few doctors in the region are not motivated to work in health centers because they lack the necessary logistics. Over time, such doctors become rusty,” he explained.
In response, the Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the GMA and assured that the security issues affecting health workers in Bawku would be addressed. He described medical doctors as “humanitarians” and expressed understanding of the difficulties they face in working under insecure conditions.
On the matter of upgrading health facilities, the minister affirmed the government’s commitment to taking the issue seriously. He also pointed to the recently announced Mahamacares policy and plans to build hospitals with accommodation for critical health professionals as part of efforts to address some of the sector’s challenges.
Regarding incentives, Akamugri pledged to look into the matter but noted that District Assemblies, which could contribute to supporting doctors, also face financial constraints.
The GMA’s appeal comes amid growing concerns over the uneven distribution of healthcare workers across Ghana, with the Upper East Region particularly affected by the shortage. The association remains hopeful that improved incentives and better working conditions will help rebrand the region and attract more medical professionals.
“We are doing a lot and have a lot of positives,” Dr. Adam said, expressing optimism that the health sector could be a catalyst for positive change in the region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/Joseph Ziem
