Central Region Minister, Kwamena Duncan, has urged health professionals in Ghana not to underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, and a kind word to a patient.

According to him, kindness can heal patients better than the administration of medicines.

The regional minister made the remarks when he handed over six pickup vehicles to six district health directorates in the Central Region. 

Even though he admits that health professionals in Ghana work in the most difficult circumstances and situations, he is optimistic that the behaviour of health professionals could do the trick for many patients who come to their facility.

“I am a living witness and have experienced the same as well. I know many situations and circumstances where the conditions of patients got better after seeing a health professional. It works,” he stressed.

The regional minister said the government was working assiduously to improve the work environment in the country’s health facilities.

For him, the logistical and infrastructural challenges the health professionals grapple with daily are a concern for the government.

“You are trained and capable professionals who are willing to work but are unfortunately you are constrained by logistical and infrastructural support. Government is working to resolve such challenges you go through daily,” he stated.

He paid a glowing tribute to the many health professionals who break their back to ensure that the people in Ghana have good health.

He assured them that the government was minded in the face of the difficulties they go through to support the health sector and will fix their challenges.

“The presentation of these vehicles is not the end of it. More [presentations] are pencilled to come in. The other districts have theirs on the way,” he added.

The Central Region Director of Health Services, Dr Alexis Nang-Beifubah, thanked the government for the gesture and assured the vehicles would be put to good use.