The Ministry of Health has announced that a third batch of Ghanaian nurses will be sent to Barbados by the end of October 2024 as part of a bilateral agreement between the two nations.
This move comes as the country continues to produce more nurses than the local healthcare system requires, creating opportunities for nurses to work abroad in countries experiencing shortages.
Speaking at a press briefing organised by the Ministry of Information in Accra on Wednesday this week, the Minister for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, emphasised that Ghana currently produces around 55,000 nurses annually, significantly more than the domestic health system can absorb.
“Anytime you have more than you need, you have to be innovative and find a way to give opportunities to your nurses,” he stated. He further explained that the Barbados arrangement was just one of many international opportunities for Ghanaian nurses.
“We are working with several countries, including Jamaica, the Seychelles, Germany, and the UK, to ensure our nurses are employed abroad. They send back remittances, which helps boost the economy here,” he added.
The Minister further announced that Ghana has made notable progress in healthcare delivery with a focus on expanding infrastructure and leveraging digital solutions.
He indicated that the Kumawu and Fomena District hospitals, which were started by the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, have been completed by the Nana-Addo-led administration.
“Several hospitals that were left uncompleted have been finished under this government administration. For example, the Kumawu District Hospital, which was less than 30% complete before this government came into office, is now fully operational. The same goes for Fomena Hospital, which was about 35% complete,” the Health Minister said.
Dr. Okoe-Boye mentioned that the government had also upgraded existing hospitals, which included the commissioning of phase two of the Bolgatanga Hospital at a cost of $20 million.
“Before, patients had to be transported to another hospital for essential diagnostic tests like CT scans. Now, Bolga has its own fully functioning CT scan, which is a significant step forward in healthcare delivery,” Dr. Okoe-Boye noted.
The Minister stated that the construction of ultra-modern facilities like the urology and nephrology centres at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital promises to transform specialised healthcare in the country.
“The new urology centre will have two theatres working 24/7 and is equipped with 71 beds. This facility alone will significantly reduce waiting times for procedures and improve patient outcomes,” he said.
The government has also integrated innovative technologies like drone deliveries to improve access to medical supplies in remote areas. “We are using drones to deliver life-saving medicines to rural areas where transportation is a challenge. This initiative has proven essential, particularly in emergency situations,” the Health Minister added.
The Minister listed several ongoing projects, which included the completion of the Koforidua Eastern Regional Hospital and the 250-bed Sewua Treatment Center in Ashanti Region, which is poised to further enhance healthcare delivery in Ghana.
“These investments not only improve health outcomes but also create jobs, demonstrating the government’s commitment to both healthcare and economic development,” he said.
He explained that the country’s healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, with the government determined to ensure every Ghanaian has access to quality medical care.
“We are working tirelessly to operationalise more facilities and bring healthcare closer to the people,” the minister emphasised.
However, the Minister has revealed that the government has completed 60% of the of the Weija Children’s Hospital and 19% of the La General Hospital.
Dr. Okoe Boye also mentioned that the project at Weija is intended to relieve pressure on Princess Marie Louise Hospital, Accra’s only operational children’s hospital.
“We are working with speed to make sure that before the end of this year, Princess Marie Louis relocates to the new Weija Municipal Children’s Hospital,” he stated.
He reiterated that the new 120-bed Weija Children’s Hospital will modernise paediatric care in the Greater Accra Region and pointed out that while adult patients may eventually be admitted, the hospital’s primary focus will always remain on paediatric care.
“Some of the health workers in Greater Accra wanted it to be a hospital for everybody. We are not going to agree. It’s for children, and it will remain for children,” he confirmed.
Dr. Okoe Boye also stated that, despite the challenges presented by the global financial crisis and Ghana’s debt exchange program, he was confident in the government’s capacity to complete these projects.
He emphasised the government’s resilience in advancing these important healthcare infrastructure projects, despite challenges such as financial difficulties, logistical issues, or delays. The government has remained committed to pushing forward with the construction and improvement of healthcare facilities.
“For those who have passed, we can’t bring them back. But for projects that have stalled, we can reactivate them,” he said.
