The Akim Oda MP, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has warned that forcing young doctors into rural postings without proper engagement could drive them into the arms of private hospitals.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, he cautioned that the private sector is ready to absorb frustrated doctors if government mishandles the situation.

“As the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) rep said, we have to look at it dispassionately,” he said.

“I operate private facilities, and I can tell you, there are a lot of offers for some of these young doctors.”

The MP’s comments come amid heightened tension over postings of newly qualified doctors, with concerns growing about retention, morale and the widening gap between urban and rural healthcare delivery.

Mr Akwasi Acquah stressed that if authorities fail to engage them properly, the outcome will be predictable.

“And so if you do not handle them well and engage them and find means of getting them into the public facilities, it becomes easier for the private sector to absorb them.”

He added that the pull is even stronger in the cities.

“It becomes easier for the private sector in the urban centres to absorb them, and that will give them a lot of other advantages.”

According to him, doctors in urban private practice can spread their services across multiple facilities.

“They can decide to sign on two or three other facilities.”

In contrast, he argued that rural postings come with limited incentives and poor working conditions.

“But if you push them to the rural facilities where there are no facilities that can offer them an opportunity for a local, you know, which is something that everybody knows that the doctors have.”

He pointed to the cancellation of additional duty allowances and the financial strain on doctors, adding that some doctors are forced to dig into their own pockets to treat patients.

“And you know, if you engage the doctors, some will tell you, sometimes they have to take money out of their pockets.”

“They are not making any extra money in the places you have put them, but they do because they want to take care of our folks, they have to go, I mean, beyond all means, to find money to buy blood, to do other essential things for the patient.”

While he described the ongoing debate as necessary, he warned against threats and ultimatums.

“So I think it’s a very good conversation we are having, but it doesn’t have to come with the kind of force that is associated with the minister’s command.”

He referenced recent warnings from the Health Minister.

“This is about the second time the Minister is asking that if they don’t go, we’ll cut them off government payroll.”