New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says Ghana needs a paradigm shift in its healthcare policies after engaging the leadership of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) on challenges confronting medical professionals and the wider health sector.

Dr Bawumia met the National Executive Committee of the GMA at the Association’s headquarters at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as part of his ongoing consultations with key stakeholders on national policy issues.

The engagement, led by GMA President Professor (Dr.) Ernest Yorke, focused on a range of concerns affecting healthcare delivery and the working conditions of medical doctors.

Among the issues discussed were the retention and migration of health professionals, remuneration, the uneven distribution of doctors across the country, healthcare infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

The meeting also considered conditions of service, deprived-area allowances, the role of the private sector in healthcare delivery and the Medical and Dental Council’s requirement for doctors to undertake licensing examinations.

Following the discussions, Dr Bawumia said the concerns and proposals presented by the GMA had reinforced his view that significant changes were needed in the country’s approach to healthcare policy.

“Following our discussions, I am convinced that a paradigm shift is needed in our health care policies,” he said.

He added that several ideas presented during the engagement could, if implemented, have a significant impact on the welfare of doctors and the broader health sector.

Dr Bawumia also stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the challenges facing healthcare delivery.

“Healthcare delivery is a collaborative mission,” he said, while expressing appreciation to the GMA leadership and members for their contributions and commitment to improving healthcare in Ghana.

The engagement forms part of Dr Bawumia’s broader stakeholder consultations, through which he is gathering views from professional and other identifiable groups on key national issues.