The Registrar of Allied Health Professions Council, Dr. Samuel Yaw Opoku, wants the Ministry of Health to consider reinstating the 6-year allied health professionals doctorate programme. 

Speaking at the Induction and Oath-swearing Ceremony for qualified allied health graduates, on Saturday, Dr Opoku said, “We request for the commitment and support from the Ministry of Health to the Council in its bid to phase out the current 4-year bachelor of Allied Health programmes to be replaced with the 6-year professional doctorate programme. 

“It is significant to note that the government through the Ministry of Health had rectified these programmes developed by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO),” he said. 

The ceremony was under the theme; “The Management of Covid-19; Role of the Allied Health Professional”. 

The event saw over 1,700 graduates from various health science disciplines ushered into the medical space.

Dr. Opoku lauded the government for absorbing a majority of unemployed health professionals into the public sector to reduce the deficit of healthcare workers. 

Municipal Chief Executive of Oforikrom, Abraham Kwame Antwi admonished the newly qualified graduates to accept placements to remote communities. 

He observed a majority of healthcare professionals refused postings to rural areas which affects healthcare delivery in such communities. 

The MCE urged the new breed of medical professionals to commit to their service. 

“Remember to treat your patients and clients with love, care and sympathy. Finally, I wish to entreat you to accept posting to serve in rural communities and other deprived areas. So that the very people whose sweats have made your education and training possible, will also benefit from your services,” he said.

Provost of the College of Health Science-KNUST, Dr. Christian Agyare entreated the graduates to exhibit positive attitude towards work.  

He advised them to avoid constant use of their mobile phones while on duty for entertainment purposes, as it has become the norm of some health workers. 

“One thing affecting us has to do with the use of mobile phone and the internet, especially social media. 

“With a tap on your phone, you would get relevant information you need to improve your work that is what we are supposed to use the phones for when at post. 

“Your attitude is very important. But the key thing, your attitude may influence your success. Be different,” he said. 

Over 5,000 allied health professionals have been employed over the last two years.