By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has highlighted his government’s significant efforts towards improving the country’s health sector through innovative initiatives and the recruitment of health personnel.
Speaking at the 2nd Edition of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Excellence Awards on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), he commended health workers for their dedication and invaluable contributions to the nation’s healthcare system.
The President noted that since the New Patriotic Party (NPP) assumed office, his administration has introduced numerous measures to strengthen the health sector, even in the face of challenges. These include the implementation of Community Health Service Initiatives, the enhancement of the Primary Healthcare Network, and the extension of healthcare services to remote areas. These initiatives, he emphasized, reflect the government’s commitment to creating an inclusive healthcare system that leaves no one behind.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted that over the past eight years, his administration has recruited 202,527 medical personnel, including Medical Officers, House Officers, Specialists, nurses, midwives, and administrative managers. This effort, he stated, has significantly improved access to quality healthcare across the country.
“Under my administration, significant strides have been made to bridge critical staffing gaps. Over the past eight years, we recruited some 202,527 medical personnel. These include, 12,132 medical officers, house officers and specialists, 165,222 diploma and degree nurses and midwives, 8,688 support staff, including administrative managers, cooks and executive officers, 1303 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, 80 medical herbalists and 13,471 allied health professionals and allied health interns”, he said.
He pointed out the introduction of digital health systems as a key milestone in achieving universal health coverage. He mentioned that Ghana’s global ranking in digital health has improved from an average of 3.5 to 3.0, underscoring the government’s dedication to advancing the health sector.
