The Ministry of Health says it is rolling out a range of incentives and support systems to encourage doctors to accept postings to deprived areas across the country.

Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Tony Goodman, outlined the measures during an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Thursday, March 19, amid concerns about low doctor turnout in some regions.

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According to him, the Ministry is taking a more coordinated and practical approach to address the issue.

“We have taken it upon ourselves to go to the various regions, engage the stakeholders, and see how best we can address this,” he said.

Mr Goodman disclosed that about 400 doctors have been posted nationwide, with a significant number already at post.

“About 400 have been posted across the country. As I speak to you, about 300 have started work and are receiving salaries,” he said, describing this as an improvement compared to previous years.

He explained that the Ministry is working closely with several stakeholders to make postings more attractive and sustainable.

“The Ministry of Health, Ghana Medical Association, chiefs, MPs, and regional ministers are all working together to ensure this is done,” he said.

One of the key strategies, he said, is the introduction of mentorship support for young doctors posted to remote areas.

"Officers who are posted to these regions want to have a mentor. The Ghana Medical Association has identified mentors across the country to guide them wherever they go,” he explained.

In addition, the Ministry is addressing concerns about living conditions by working with local authorities to provide accommodation.

“We have worked with some of the MCEs who have provided accommodation, including two-bedroom facilities,” he said.
“You would recall that the MP for the Kintampo area has also indicated support in that direction.”

Financial and career incentives are also part of the plan to attract and retain doctors in underserved communities.

“If you serve less than two years, you should have that incentive to go back to college to do your postgraduate,” Mr Goodman stated.

He said that the Ministry recognises the personal and professional concerns of doctors and is responding accordingly.

“These are human beings. You can’t just carry them and put them in a facility and say work,” he said.

Mr Goodman added that the Ministry is engaging directly with doctors rather than forcing them to accept postings.

“We are talking to them. You can’t just force them to go to the regions,” he explained.

He admitted that while the interventions may not produce immediate results, they are expected to improve the situation over time.

“The measures we are putting in place, you may not see the results now, but they will get them to go,” he said.

He added that government officials have been visiting affected regions and engaging local leaders to secure additional support.

“We have visited the places and spoken to regional ministers and MPs to get additional incentives to attract them,” he said.