Health ministries in Ghana and Fiji issue new directives

The Ministry of Health in Ghana has extended the reporting deadline for health professionals who recently applied for postings. According to spokesperson Tony Goodman, personnel have until August 31 to report to their assigned facilities. Failure to assume duty by this date without a justifiable reason will result in removal from the recruitment system, with replacements scheduled during a mop-up exercise in early September.

The Ministry also clarified the salary process, noting that financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance is required before the recruitment portal opens. Once staff report to their facilities, confirmation is sent to relevant agencies to generate official appointment letters and initiate salary payments. This procedure is intended to prevent payment for work not performed and eliminate ghost names from the payroll.

In Fiji, Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has ordered senior health managers to improve response times and clear administrative backlogs. During the fourth National Health Executive Committee Meeting, the Minister expressed concern over delays in responding to parliamentary questions, media inquiries, and public requests. Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized that prompt communication is essential for transparency and to prevent misinformation under the newly launched National Health Strategic Plan.