GMA calls for reconstitution of boards of teaching hospitals

Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, President of the Ghana AssocMedicaliation, (GMA) on Tuesday called for the reconstitution of the boards of the two teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi.

He said most of the members of the boards of the Korle Bu and Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals have overstayed their tenure of office for several years and they have not lived up to expectation.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency he said: "People with entrepreneurial skills should be appointed to the new boards so that they can internally generate funds to help in running the hospitals".

Prof. Akosa said it is the view of the GMA that the government maintains one Health Minister for a longer period as against the quick succession of ministers, which characterised the previous administration.

"This is to ensure that policies are not only developed but implemented effectively.

There must be a level of permanency so that whoever is appointed as health minister will lead us, establish policies and see to it that they are implemented".

Prof. Akosa, who is also the Chief Pathologist of the Ministry of Health, charged the incoming minister to see to the establishment of the proposed National Post Graduate Medical College as a way of curbing the brain drain and meeting the training requirements of professionals.

He also suggested the setting up of a cabinet sub-committee on health to ensure a multi- sectoral and integrated approach to health care delivery.

" Representatives of such key sectors will have to constantly dialogue on related problems which can then be tackled by the sub-committee."

"The sub-committee should include the Ministries of Education, Food and Agriculture, Roads and Transport and Works and Housing."

Prof. Akosa welcomed the establishment of a Ministry for Women's Affairs and expressed the hope that women's problems, especially reproductive health, would be given greater attention.