The High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana, Juliette Byone-Sutherland, recently paid a courtesy call to Ghana's Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to address key issues within the nation's healthcare sector.

During the meeting, Hon. Akandoh underscored the importance of increased funding to ensure the successful implementation of essential healthcare processes. He also discussed the government's efforts to support health workers in rural areas, proposing a new incentive package. The package would include an additional 20% of basic salaries, faster promotions, and scholarships for further training. He also advocated for study leave with pay to encourage health professionals to remain in underserved regions.

Additionally, the Minister highlighted the need for the construction of six new hospitals to serve the newly created regions in Ghana. He further outlined plans to upgrade existing regional and teaching hospitals in order to attract and retain skilled healthcare workers.

In response, High Commissioner Byone-Sutherland commended the Minister and the Ghanaian government's ongoing efforts to enhance the healthcare sector. She also suggested the possibility of Barbadian nurses participating in health training programs in Ghana, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the process.

This productive meeting highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing healthcare challenges and fostering knowledge-sharing between nations. The Ministry of Health remains dedicated to tackling these challenges and ensuring Ghanaians have access to quality healthcare services.

Credit:PR Unit