Refuse rural posting, lose your slot – Health Minister warns doctors

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has issued a strong warning to medical doctors across Ghana, cautioning that those who rejects postings to underserved districts risk losing their placement opportunities as the government intensifies efforts to address disparities in healthcare delivery.

He expressed concern over the continued reluctance of some doctors to accept assignments in deprived and rural areas, noting that this trend is contributing to a widening gap in access to quality healthcare services across the country. According to the Minister, the uneven distribution of medical personnel remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Ghana’s health sector.

Mr. Akandoh revealed that nearly half of Ghana’s doctors are currently concentrated in the Greater Accra Region. When combined with the Ashanti Region, the figure rises to approximately 70 percent, leaving many districts in other regions critically underserved and struggling to provide adequate medical care.

He noted that in 2024, only 12 doctors accepted postings to eight underserved regions, highlighting the scale of the challenge. However, he indicated that recent interventions by the government have begun to yield results, with about 100 doctors now taking up similar assignments, signaling a gradual improvement.

“Since they have legitimate concerns, they cannot deny people care by refusing to go to the districts,” the Minister stated, emphasizing the ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals to serve all populations, regardless of location.

Mr. Akandoh stressed that the government’s top priority is to ensure equitable access to healthcare services nationwide. He added that stricter enforcement measures would be introduced to ensure compliance with postings, as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the healthcare system.

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM on Wednesday, April 22, he outlined the government’s position, warning that doctors who decline postings would forfeit their opportunities.

“We are going to state that those who have not accepted the postings will be deprived of that opportunity, and we will open it up,” he said. “Even if you completed yesterday and you are a fully qualified medical doctor willing to go, we will give you that opportunity.”

The Minister’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to bridging regional inequalities in healthcare delivery and ensuring that citizens in all parts of the country have access to qualified medical professionals.