Government Plans to Deploy Over 700 Doctors to Districts Outside Greater Accra – Health Minister

The Ministry of Health is set to reassign over 700 medical doctors across the country as part of a new policy aimed at addressing disparities in Ghana’s health workforce.

The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, disclosed this information during the Ministry’s Accountability Series held today.

According to the Minister, President John Dramani Mahama has instructed that newly deployed doctors be posted to areas where their services are most needed, particularly district-level facilities outside the Greater Accra Region.

“We are distributing not less than 700 medical doctors across the length and breadth of this country. The president has directed that we send these doctors to where they are needed most, especially the districts,” he said.

He noted that currently, nearly 50 percent of Ghana’s doctors are concentrated in Greater Accra, creating an imbalance that undermines healthcare delivery nationwide. Mr Akandoh appealed to the newly posted doctors to embrace the initiative.

“I appeal to the medical doctors we are posting not to see this policy as punishment but as an attempt at equitable distribution of the workforce we have. Government will also ensure a conducive environment for you to deliver your work,” the Minister added.

The Minister also raised concerns about the deteriorating state of medical equipment in health facilities across the country. He revealed that the last major retooling exercise took place during the first administration of former President John Dramani Mahama, leaving many facilities in dire condition.

“Our status of medical equipment in our facilities is very dire. Since the last retooling under H.E. John Dramani Mahama, our health facilities have been suffering,” he noted.

As part of the government’s Free Primary Health Care initiative, the Ministry plans to retool primary health facilities to ensure they are equipped with essential tools and basic equipment necessary for effective service delivery.

Mr Akandoh emphasized that the health sector extends beyond infrastructure.

“The health sector is not just the building but also the tools, and the personnel,” he said, stressing the importance of adequately resourced facilities.