The Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Obuobia Darko-Opoku, says the fund is investing heavily in specialist training to strengthen the treatment of non-communicable diseases across the country.
According to her, the initiative is aimed at improving access to specialised healthcare services, particularly in regions with limited numbers of medical specialists.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Obuobia Darko-Opoku explained that many medical specialists previously had to travel to Accra or Kumasi for training, making it difficult for some to return to their original postings after completing their studies.
She cited Tamale as an example, noting that the city currently has only two cardiologists.
To address the challenge, she said the Ghana Medical Trust Fund has introduced a decentralised specialist training approach that brings training programmes directly to healthcare professionals in their respective regions.
“The understanding was that you come to Accra or Kumasi. Some travel from their base for the training and when they do, it becomes difficult to go back. So now the training will be brought to their doorstep so they can stay in their communities and continue working,” she stated.
According to her, beneficiaries of the three-year specialist training programme will be bonded to serve after completing their studies.
She disclosed that the first payment released under the initiative amounted to GH¢20.18 million.
Obuobia Darko-Opoku further revealed that the fund has also provided support for the training of specialist nurses and pharmacists.
She said 100 specialist nurses and 200 specialist pharmacists have so far received training support at a cost of GH¢36.2 million.
“We need those specialist nurses because it will help us treat persons with non-communicable diseases. That’s why we are investing in the specialists,” she added.
She stressed that the investment forms part of broader efforts by the Mahama Cares initiative to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen the country’s capacity to manage chronic illnesses.
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