The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has warned medical doctors against rejecting postings to underserved districts, stressing that those who refuse risk losing their placement opportunities.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, the Minister expressed concern about the continued reluctance of some doctors to accept assignments in deprived areas, describing it as a major setback to equitable healthcare delivery.
According to him, the uneven distribution of medical personnel remains a serious challenge, with a large number of doctors concentrated in just a few regions.
He revealed that nearly half of the country’s doctors are based in the Greater Accra Region, and when the Ashanti Region is included, the figure rises to about 70 per cent, leaving many districts with limited or no access to doctors.
Mr. Akandoh noted that although only 12 doctors accepted postings to eight underserved regions in 2024, the situation is beginning to improve, with about 100 doctors now taking up similar assignments.
Still, he insisted that more must be done to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare.
“Since they have legitimate concerns, they cannot deny people care by refusing to go to the districts,” he said.
He emphasised that government is determined to address the imbalance and will introduce stricter measures to ensure compliance.
“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. Even if you completed yesterday and you are a fully qualified medical doctor willing to go, we will give you that opportunity,” he noted.
The Minister reiterated that the goal is to ensure fair and equal access to healthcare services across the country, especially in underserved communities.
