Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for a paradigm shift in Ghana’s healthcare policies following an engagement with the leadership of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).
Dr Bawumia met the National Executive Committee of the GMA at the association’s headquarters at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as part of his consultations with key stakeholders and identifiable groups across the country.
The GMA leadership, led by its President, Professor (Dr) Ernest Yorke, presented concerns affecting medical doctors and the broader health sector.
The discussions covered health workforce retention, remuneration, the uneven distribution of doctors, healthcare infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
Other issues raised included conditions of service, deprived-area allowance, the role of the private sector and the Medical and Dental Council’s requirement for doctors to write licensing examinations.
Dr Bawumia said the engagement had convinced him of the need to rethink existing approaches to healthcare delivery.
“Some brilliant ideas were put on the table and I am very encouraged that when implemented they will be transformational for the welfare of doctors and the health sector as a whole,” he said in a Facebook post after the meeting.
He described healthcare delivery as a collaborative mission, stressing the importance of incorporating the views and experiences of health professionals into efforts to strengthen the sector.
Dr Bawumia expressed gratitude to the GMA leadership and its members for what he described as their insights, candour and commitment to the wellbeing of Ghanaians.
“Together, we will continue to build a robust, resilient, and patient-centered healthcare system that leaves no community behind,” he said.
