The Member of Parliament (MP) for Zebilla, Ebenezer Alumire Ndebilla, has introduced a medical sponsorship initiative to help address the shortage of healthcare professionals in his constituency.
The scheme, the first of its kind in the area, will provide full sponsorship for at least three students each year to pursue medical studies.
Mr. Ndebilla explained that beneficiaries will be bonded by both the constituency and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to ensure they return to serve the community upon completion of their training.
“I have come up with a package to sponsor at least three medical students in the Zebilla Constituency. These students will be bonded by the constituency and by the Ghana Health Service in the district so that when they are done, they come back to serve,” he said.
Speaking in an interview with A1 Radio, the Zebilla MP stressed that the scheme is designed to tackle the challenge of retaining medical professionals in rural communities.
According to him, many doctors posted to the constituency often request transfers after only a few years because they struggle to adapt to the culture and environment.
“You have medical officers who come from the south, from different backgrounds. They are not used to our culture and environment. So, after some years, they begin to lobby to return to their home areas. Using this strategy—training our own people, who are familiar with our culture and environment—will ensure they stay longer and serve our people better,” he explained.
Mr. Ndebilla said one student has already been identified for the scheme, while efforts are underway to select two more beneficiaries. Information about the sponsorship package has been shared through local radio stations to encourage interested and qualified students to apply.
Beyond solving the attrition problem, the MP believes the sponsorship initiative is a step towards building local capacity in the health sector and motivating young people to pursue higher education.
“It is imperative that we think outside the box and support our constituents to get training. With this sponsorship, we are investing in the future of our healthcare system,” he emphasized.
Mr. Ndebilla reaffirmed his commitment to addressing healthcare challenges in Zebilla by combining educational support with long-term strategies to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
