Ghana deploys 8,000 health workers under FPHC initiative

Ghanaian Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced that 8,000 health professionals have been recruited and posted to facilities nationwide under the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme. The government aims to reach a total staffing target of 16,000 workers, with recruitment for the remaining 8,000 already underway.

To support this initiative, the Minister stated that over 24,000 pieces of basic medical equipment are being distributed to primary healthcare facilities. This includes 5,000 healthcare bags already issued, with another 5,000 to follow. Additionally, the government plans to supply 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles to assist health workers in reaching underserved communities for disease prevention and early detection.

Despite these milestones, local staffing shortages persist. During a visit to the Upper West Region, the Minister was informed that the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital's intensive care unit was recently managed by a single nurse, leading to instances where critically ill patients had to be turned away.