50% of Ghanaian doctors, 24% nurses working abroad as a result of poor conditions – GHDR report

A concerning trend has emerged from the latest Ghana Human Development Report, which highlights that half of the doctors trained in Ghana are now seeking employment abroad, driven away by substandard working conditions.

The report, titled “The Future Value of Work in Ghana,” cautions that the nation’s healthcare system is on the brink of deterioration if the ongoing departure of medical professionals is not curbed.

The United Nations Development Program, in collaboration with the Statistical Service and the National Development Planning Commission, authored the report.

It reveals that alongside the 50 percent of migrating doctors, 24 percent of nurses trained in Ghana have also migrated for similar reasons.

This alarming exodus has placed the health sector in jeopardy, necessitating immediate policy and practical interventions to prevent a complete collapse.

Despite Ghana’s health system’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to grapple with significant challenges, including shortages of essential supplies like personal protective equipment and a dwindling pool of qualified personnel.

The “Future of Work” report emphasised the need for strategic implementation to meet the evolving health demands of the population, which are becoming increasingly complex due to environmental factors, demographic shifts, and lifestyle changes.

Ghana’s health policy has identified eleven critical areas needing reinforcement, with health promotion, palliative, and rehabilitative care falling behind preventive and curative services.

The report advocates for a health promotion approach that emphasizes primary healthcare and environmental concerns, which can significantly impact human capital development.

Furthermore, the report suggests adopting a life course approach to healthcare delivery, catering to diverse population segments, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and marginalized individuals in urban slums.

This approach aims to ensure that all groups can access and benefit from both curative and preventive healthcare services. The stark reality of the situation calls for decisive action to retain the nation’s medical talent and safeguard the future of Ghana’s healthcare system.

Read the full report below: