Sections of unemployed Allied Health Professionals in Ghana have called on the government and all stakeholders in the health sector to address problems relating to backlog of unemployed members.
This call was made in a statement by the concerned group of Allied Health Professionals in Ghana.
In the statement, the group expressed worry on the ineffectiveness of the leaders of the association in terms of their inability to lobby for employment opportunities for members from the government.
The group, further indicated that Ghana can can improve on its healthcare delivery and ensure that the skills and talents of its Allied Health Professionals are fully utilized.
Kindly read the full statement below;
Crisis of Allied Health Professionals in Ghana – A Call for Immediate Action
For over four years, the Government of Ghana has failed to post allied health professionals to their designated places of work, creating a significant bottleneck in the healthcare system. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that universities continue to produce new graduates in these fields each year, leading to an oversupply of trained professionals without employment.
The Growing Backlog
Graduates from various allied health disciplines, such as physiotherapy, medical laboratory science, radiography, and dietetics, among others, find themselves in a precarious position. After years of rigorous training and acquiring essential skills needed to support the healthcare system, they are left in a state of professional limbo. This backlog not only affects the livelihoods of these graduates but also impacts the overall healthcare delivery in the country, as the expertise of these professionals remains untapped.
Impact on Healthcare Delivery
The lack of posting for allied health professionals has dire consequences for healthcare delivery in Ghana. These professionals play critical roles in diagnosing and treating diseases, rehabilitating patients, and promoting overall health and wellness. Without their contributions, hospitals and clinics are often overwhelmed, leading to longer waiting times for patients, delayed diagnoses, and suboptimal care.
Silence of Association Leaders
What is particularly concerning is the perceived inaction of the various association leaders representing these professionals. These leaders, who are supposed to advocate for the rights and welfare of their members, have been notably silent or inactive on this pressing issue. Their failure to effectively lobby the government or bring attention to this crisis leaves many professionals feeling abandoned and disenfranchised.
The Role of Universities
Universities also have a role to play in addressing this issue. While it is commendable that educational institutions are producing highly skilled professionals, there needs to be a more strategic alignment between the output of these graduates and the job market. Universities should engage in dialogues with government bodies, healthcare institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure that the training provided aligns with the current and future needs of the healthcare system.
A Call for Immediate Action
Government Intervention: The Government of Ghana must take immediate steps to address this backlog. This could involve increasing funding for the health sector to create more positions, ensuring timely posting of graduates, and developing long-term strategies to absorb the growing number of allied health professionals.
Active Advocacy
Association leaders need to step up and actively engage with the government and other stakeholders. They should use their platforms to highlight the issue, organize demonstrations if necessary, and work towards practical solutions.
University Collaboration
Educational institutions should collaborate with the government and health sector to ensure that the training provided is in line with the needs of the job market. This might include adjusting curricula, improving internship opportunities, and providing better career guidance for students.
Public Awareness:
Raising public awareness about this issue is crucial. Media campaigns, social media activism, and community engagement can help put pressure on the relevant authorities to take action.
Conclusion
The current situation of allied health professionals in Ghana is unsustainable and requires immediate action from all stakeholders involved. By addressing the backlog, advocating for the rights of these professionals, and ensuring a better alignment between education and employment opportunities, Ghana can improve its healthcare system and ensure that the skills and talents of its allied health professionals are fully utilized.
