President John Dramani Mahama has announced a 20% incentive on the basic salaries of health workers who accept postings to deprived and underserved communities across Ghana.
The initiative is aimed at encouraging more healthcare professionals to work in areas where access to quality healthcare services remains limited and where the demand for medical personnel is high.
President Mahama made the announcement during the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District Free Primary Healthcare Community Engagement in the Upper West Region.
He commended health workers who continue to serve in rural and underserved communities, describing their commitment and willingness to work in challenging environments as an important contribution to Ghana’s healthcare system.
Government Targets Unequal Distribution of Health Workers
According to President Mahama, the 20% salary incentive forms part of government’s broader efforts to address the uneven distribution of healthcare professionals across the country.
The government hopes the incentive will make postings to deprived areas more attractive and encourage more doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals to serve communities with limited access to medical services.
The President also appealed to residents in underserved communities to support and appreciate health workers who accept postings to their areas.
He stressed that the presence of dedicated healthcare professionals is essential to bringing quality healthcare services closer to rural communities and improving health outcomes.
Mahama Promises Better Amenities for Health Workers
President Mahama further disclosed that government is working to improve basic infrastructure and amenities in deprived districts.
These include roads, potable water, electricity and other essential facilities that can improve living and working conditions for health professionals stationed in rural communities.
The government believes that improving infrastructure alongside financial incentives will help attract and retain healthcare workers in areas that have historically struggled to secure adequate medical personnel.
Government Procures Equipment for Free Primary Healthcare
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, also announced additional support for the government’s Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme.
According to the Health Minister, government has procured 5,000 additional healthcare bags and 7,000 motorcycles and tricycles for distribution to Free Primary Healthcare facilities across the country.
The equipment is expected to complement items already distributed to healthcare facilities and strengthen the ability of health workers to conduct community and household visits.
The initiative is particularly important for reaching residents in remote communities who may face difficulties travelling to health facilities.
Medical Equipment Presented to Fian Health Centre
As part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, several essential medical equipment and supplies were presented to the Fian Health Centre.
The items included delivery beds, cardiac machines, phototherapy machines and healthcare bags, among other equipment needed to support the delivery of Free Primary Healthcare services.
The additional resources are expected to improve the capacity of health workers and enhance access to essential medical care at the community level.
Free Primary Healthcare Programme Expands
The engagement formed part of President Mahama’s Resetting Ghana tour of the Upper West Region, which is focused on improving access to essential public services and bringing healthcare closer to citizens.
The government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme places particular emphasis on communities where residents face challenges accessing basic medical services.
The combination of health worker incentives, improved infrastructure, additional medical equipment and community-based healthcare services is expected to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in underserved areas.
The latest measures form part of government’s broader efforts to improve healthcare access in Ghana, particularly for people living in rural and deprived communities.
Source: newsthemegh.com