The Ghana Physician Assistants Association (GPAA) has made a pressing demand for the immediate posting of over 1,000 qualified physician assistants who have been waiting without employment for three years after training in various health institutions.
In April this year, seven members of these jobless physician assistants were arrested by police while picketing in Accra over their delayed postings.
These healthcare professionals are currently in limbo and not contributing to the healthcare system, despite being fully trained and continue to renew their license every year ready to serve.
The call for action comes as a response to the ongoing issue of delayed financial clearances that have kept these qualified physician assistants on the sidelines, unable to put their skills and knowledge to use.
The delay in posting these professionals is a concerning matter, given the critical need for healthcare workers, especially in underserved areas.
Addressing the 20th Annual General Conference of Ghana Physician Assistants Association in Koforidua on Wednesday October 25, 2023 , President of the Association Peter Akudugu Ayamba implored the Ministries of Health and Finance to expedite the issuance of financial clearances to alleviate this issue, and fix the huge deficit of Physician Assistants in sub district health care facilities.
He stressed the pivotal role of Physician Assistants in the healthcare delivery system, particularly at the primary healthcare level, which serves as the cornerstone for achieving Universal Health Coverage for all Ghanaians.
On the issue of Career advancement, GPAA also noted that despite many years of existence, the Physician Assistant profession lacks a well-defined career progression and academic pathway.
The conference called for collaborative efforts among various health sector authorities to establish clear career pathways for Physician Assistants.
The demand was reinforced by the pressing need to recognize specialty areas such as dermatology and psychiatry in which Physician Assistants have received specialized training.
“In 2010 and 2012, the College of Health and WellBeing, Kintampo with authorization from the Ministry of Health, commenced the training of practicing Physician Assistants in Psychiatry and Dermatology respectively in the quest to bridge the gap in service delivery in respect to these aforementioned specialty areas because of the scarcity of health workforce in these fields of medicine in Ghana. However, 10- 13 years after their completion, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service are yet to recognize and establish these areas of professional training in the Service despite the enormous contributions these Physician Assistant (P.A) dermatologists and Psychiatry Officers are making towards health service delivery at the various health facilities across the length and breadth of the country in their fields of practice. Notable mention can be made about the impact of PA dermatologists at Ga South Municipal Hospital and Ankaful Leprosarium in Greater Accra and Central Regions respectively. That of the Clinical Psychiatry Officers at our Psychiatric Hospitals cannot be underestimated. Leadership is by this, appealing to your high office to facilitate the recognition and establishment of a salary scale for these cadres in the Service in order to eliminate the demotivation and dissatisfaction among these cadres”.
President of the Ghana Physician Assistants Association (GPAA), Peter Akudugu Ayamba was alarmed that Physician Assistants appointed as Sub-district heads are without official appointments.
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service was called upon to formalize these appointments and implement performance contracts, which could enhance healthcare delivery at the sub-district level.
Furthermore, the GPAA urged stakeholders to reevaluate the training, practice, and regulation of Physician Assistants. They raised concerns about the Medical and Dental Council’s role as a regulator, emphasizing the need for a more supportive environment that fosters career advancement and personal development for Physician Assistants.
The Association also raised serious concerns regarding frustrations that Physician Assistants engaged in private practice go through with the accreditation process for National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to operate health facilities.
They emphasized the importance of private practice in complementing government efforts to extend healthcare services across the nation, especially considering the vision of achieving universal health coverage by 2030.
The Association urged the Minister for Health and the Chief Executive Officer of NHIA to address these challenges promptly.
The Physician Assistants Association announced that,it has embarked on negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to advocate for improved conditions of service.
They are actively exploring avenues for job re-evaluation and salary structural modifications.
In conclusion, the GPAA called upon all stakeholders to collaborate in work towards a brighter future for the Physician Assistant profession in Ghana.
The importance of these healthcare professionals, especially in primary healthcare, cannot be overstated, and addressing the challenges they face is essential to ensure quality healthcare for all citizens.
The 2023 GPAA Annual General Conference emphasized the profession’s dedication to providing quality healthcare services to the people of Ghana, and with unity and determination, Physician Assistants hope to overcome the challenges they face and continue their significant contributions to the nation’s health and well-being.
Eastern Regional Health Director, Dr. Winfred Ofosu who represented the Director General of Ghana Health Service said establishment of regulation regime for Physician Assistants in Ghana is a sign of recognition of the importance of the profession hence more will be done to support them.
Eastern Regional Minister Seth Kwame Acheampong stressed that, government is expanding healthcare infrastructure in the region with phase one of the Eastern Regional Hospital progressing steadily, agenda 111 district hospital projects ongoing while many CHPs compounds commissioned all gear towards expanding access to quality healthcare which Physician Assistants have critical role to play.
Nana Addo Agyekum, Nkabomhene of New Juaben Traditional Area who represented the Omanhene Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III urged Physician Assistants in the country to make a positive impact in the communities where they operate for a holistic benefit to Society.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
