The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has given newly posted medical doctors an additional one-week grace period to report to their duty stations, following widespread reluctance among the new recruits to assume their posts.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Tuesday, December 2, Mr. Akandoh disclosed that seven out of ten newly assigned doctors have yet to report. The situation is particularly alarming in the Upper West and Upper East regions, where none of the posted doctors had reported as of Friday, November 28. In the Upper West Region alone, 25 out of 32 doctors remain absent, putting nearly one million residents at risk due to potential gaps in healthcare delivery.
“We will give them an additional week and appeal to them to report to their respective facilities. After that, we will carry out validation,” the Minister stated, stressing that postings will not be changed under any circumstances.
He added that the Ministry is working closely with regional ministers, Members of Parliament, district chief executives, and traditional leaders to make the districts more welcoming for newly posted doctors. Additional incentives are also under consideration to encourage compliance.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Akandoh expressed optimism that the doctors would eventually take up their posts, describing them as committed professionals. He also highlighted the persistent imbalance in doctor distribution nationwide, with nearly half stationed in the Greater Accra Region.
Regional health directors have already begun contacting the doctors via phone calls and electronic communication, while broader stakeholder engagements continue to secure accommodation and other support to ease their transition.
