The 20th Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Ghana Physician Assistants’ Association (GPAA) kicked off in Eastern Regional capital , Koforidua on Wednesday October 26,2023.
The conference provides a platform for the profession to tackle critical challenges faced by Physician Assistants in the country.
Opening the conference, President of the Association Peter Akudugu Ayamba said,as a result of global changes brought about by globalization and the enduring impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the GPAA leadership recognized the urgency of prioritizing the health and well-being of people worldwide.
He highlighted several pressing concerns within the Physician Assistant profession, which have been summarized under the following headlines:
Physician Assistants’ Employment
A notable issue discussed was the employment of Physician Assistants. Although many health centers operate without Physician Assistants, there are qualified individuals awaiting placement.
Delays in obtaining financial clearance for these professionals have created a backlog of unemployed Physician Assistants. A passionate appeal was made to the Ministries of Health and Finance to expedite processes for issuing financial clearances and employing these qualified healthcare workers.
Career Advancement
The lack of a structured career progression and advancement pathway within the Physician Assistant profession was a concern raised by President of the Association. While discussions among officials from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Medical and Dental Council of Ghana, and academia are ongoing, he emphasized the necessity of establishing clear career and academic pathways for Physician Assistants.
Recognition of Specializations
Physician Assistants specializing in dermatology and psychiatry have faced delayed recognition despite their invaluable contributions to healthcare delivery. The call for the establishment of a salary scale for these specialized cadres in the healthcare service was highlighted.
Privatization
Physician Assistants in Private Practice
Physician Assistants in private practice have encountered frustrations while seeking accreditation from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to operate healthcare facilities. Given the vision of achieving universal health coverage by 2030, the importance of encouraging private practitioners to complement the government’s healthcare efforts was emphasized.
The President of GPAA Peter Ayamba called on the Minister for Health and the Chief Executive Officer of NHIA to urgently address this issue.
These issues collectively underscored the necessity of policy measures and reforms to strengthen the Physician Assistant profession.
The conference theme, “The Training, Practice, and Regulation of the Physician Assistant Cadre towards an Accelerated Universal Health Coverage: The Past, Present, and Future in Perspectives,” emphasized the crucial role of Physician Assistants in the healthcare sector.
Throughout the conference, attendees will engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and insights from healthcare experts.
The primary goal was to ensure that the Physician Assistant cadre can continue providing high-quality healthcare services and contribute to the achievement of universal health coverage for all citizens.
The conference will also address the proposed amendments bill that could potentially limit the autonomy and scope of practice of Physician Assistants in Ghana.
Attendees underscored the potential consequences of these changes and called for unity and collaboration to safeguard the profession.
In conclusion, the President of Ghana Physician Assistants Association,Peter Ayamba, expressed gratitude to all conference attendees and encouraged them to work together to find solutions to the challenges faced by Physician Assistants.
The conference served as a reminder of the pivotal role Physician Assistants play in healthcare delivery, especially at the Primary Healthcare level.
The gathering reiterated the need for collective action to ensure a promising future for the Physician Assistant profession, including its training, practice, and regulation, within a supportive and empowering working environment.
Present was the Eastern Regional Minister Seth Kwame Acheampong, Nana Agyekum Addo, Nkabomhene of New Juaben also CEO of Kama Group, Eastern Regional Health Director, Dr.Winfred Ofosu among others.
Source:Mybyrtfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
