The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has raised concerns over the refusal of some medical doctors to accept postings to rural and underserved areas, particularly in the Oti Region.
Speaking during a working visit to the region, the Minister revealed that although 25 medical doctors were posted to the Oti Region, a number of them have failed to report to their duty stations. He described the situation as worrying, stressing that it continues to affect access to quality healthcare in deprived communities.
Mr. Akandoh dismissed claims that newly deployed medical officers are being punished through postings to rural districts, explaining that the deployments are guided by the need to ensure equitable access to healthcare nationwide. He noted that several health facilities in the Oti Region currently have no resident doctors, making the postings both necessary and urgent.
The Minister further clarified that the Ministry of Health will not grant exceptions to postings outside the established official processes.
He also called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the region to support health workers by providing decent accommodation and appropriate incentives to encourage them to stay and work in the area.
Additionally, Mr Akandoh expressed concern about health data from the Oti Region, describing the region as one of the most deprived in terms of health indicators.
During the visit, the Minister inspected the site earmarked for the construction of the Oti Regional Hospital and urged the Oti Regional Coordinating Council to ensure that all required land documentation is processed promptly to enable construction to commence within the year.
