Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, today announced a ground-breaking policy shift that will enable experienced nurses and physician assistants to pursue medical education and qualify as doctors. This initiative aims to address critical healthcare gaps, particularly in the six regions currently without regional hospitals.
Speaking in an interview on Rainbow Radio, Minister Akandoh explained the urgent need to expand healthcare access and improve medical service delivery across the nation.
“We are about to implement new policies. Previously, a trained physician assistant or nurse could never train to become a doctor. But that is going to change,” he stated.
The new policy will create a direct pathway for seasoned healthcare professionals who have served for several years to enroll in medical programs. This strategic move is expected to leverage the existing expertise within the healthcare system, rapidly increasing the number of qualified medical doctors.
The Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to urgently resolve the issue of the six regions still lacking regional hospitals, emphasizing that the new policy is part of a broader strategy to bolster Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure and human resources. This move is anticipated to significantly strengthen the country’s healthcare system and enhance its capacity to serve all citizens.