The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on the government and telecommunication companies to ensure there is stable access to the Internet to enhance healthcare delivery.

This the association believes would ensure improvement in the practice of telemedicine, and artificial intelligence in the health sector, as it encourages medical practitioners to venture into the field.

The President of the GMA, Dr. Frank Serebuor made this appeal at a press encounter at the end of the 2024 GMA Annual General Conference in Ho.

“The GMA encourages the use of technology to improve health delivery and also urges government and telecommunications companies to collaborate and invest in improving access to stable internet and interoperability, as well as develop standards and regulatory framework to guide this area”, he said.

He underscored the significance of telemedicine and artificial intelligence in the delivery of healthcare across the country, especially in rural areas by enhancing disease management, resource optimization, cost savings, and general access to healthcare.

He, however, listed limited internet connectivity, digital literacy gaps, regulatory issues, data privacy, and cultural resistance others as some challenges hindering the practice of telemedicine.

Dr. Serebuor believes that a collaborative effort from stakeholders would remove these bottlenecks to promote the use of technology in the health sector.

He advised his colleagues to practice high standards of professionalism while urging them to venture into entrepreneurship, advocating for group practices.

“Group practice can be single-specialty or multi-specialty, offering operational benefits such as financial stability, resource sharing, and enhanced patient care. It must be noted that group practices are, however, constrained by high start-up costs and regulatory hurdles. Careful planning and access to expertise could help surmount these potential problems”, he said.

Dr. Serebuor appealed to the government to co spider granting incentives such as tax waivers and credit facilities, while banks offer financial assistance to the facilities that would be set up by medical practitioners to ameliorate their operations.

“Medical schools and other health training institutions should consider incorporating entrepreneurship and management training in their curricula”, he added.

Dr. Serebuor concluded by calling on the Electoral Commission, political parties, and the citizenry to ensure violent free elections.

“The GMA also urges all citizens of Ghana to remember that voting is both a right and a responsibility. Together, let us honor our democracy by voting peacefully, respecting the rights of others, and avoiding any form of violence”, he said