The Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr. Mark-Kurt Nawaane, has emphasised the urgent need for motivational strategies to retain doctors in underserved regions.
He identified low morale and a lack of resources as key factors driving health professionals away from rural postings.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Dr. Nawaane stated, “Motivation to stay is one of the key ideals we have identified to bond doctors to regions where they often do not want to stay. Doctors feel bored when they go to a facility and cannot find the tools to work. That kills their morale.”
To address this, he said the Health Committee is developing policies aimed at motivating doctors through improved resource provision and supportive facility management.
He encouraged health facility managers to explore internal mechanisms—such as the use of internally generated funds—to support these strategies.
Dr. Nawaane further raised concerns about staffing gaps in healthcare delivery. He called on the government to issue targeted financial clearances to enable doctors, particularly those willing to serve in rural areas, to begin work ahead of the bulk postings.
“As we speak, the government is aware that close to 500 doctors are waiting for financial clearance. We are advocating that doctors who want to work in rural areas be given clearance immediately,” he added.
The Nabdam legislator stressed that bridging the rural–urban disparity in healthcare access requires not only infrastructure but also a firm commitment to human resource deployment, backed by responsive policies and timely government action.
Dr. Nawaane’s advocacy adds to growing calls for practical solutions to the chronic shortage of healthcare personnel in Ghana’s deprived areas, with the hope that such interventions will ensure equitable access to healthcare across the country.
Source: A1RadioOnline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
