Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has appealed to District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to provide free accommodation and vehicles to medical doctors posted to rural communities.
He says such support is urgently needed to address the persistent challenge of doctors rejecting postings to underserved areas, a situation he warns is widening inequalities in access to quality healthcare.
The Minister made the call during a working tour of the Savannah Region on Friday, November 21, where he inspected health facilities and met local authorities, including His Royal Highness Yagbonwura Bi-kunuto Jewu Soale I, as well as health workers.
According to the Minister, while the government continues investing in infrastructure, equipment, and expanding the health workforce, attracting and retaining skilled professionals in remote districts remains one of the biggest barriers to improving rural healthcare.
He said that decent housing and reliable transportation can make a significant difference to the willingness of doctors to accept and stay in rural postings.
During a courtesy call on the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be Awuribe, Mr Akandoh announced that the Savannah Region has been selected as one of three regions to receive a new regional hospital. He said the facility will ease pressure on existing hospitals, strengthen referral systems, and improve access to specialist care across the area.
The Minister also toured health training institutions and hospitals in Damongo, Bole, and Salaga to assess service delivery, infrastructure gaps, and staffing challenges.
He emphasised that improving rural healthcare requires strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health and local government, especially in creating conditions that encourage health professionals to stay.