Ministry of Health undergoes Transformation

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Benjamin Kumbour says, the health sector is undergoing transformation. The Ministry is therefore moving from a disease centered approach to a system that will protect the health of individuals.

Dr. Kumbour said this, in a speech read for him at the 12th Biennial National Delegates Conference and launch the of Ghana Registered Nurses Association's Golden Jubilee Anniversary in Accra.  

 Dr. Kumbour said the focus on healthy lifestyle and disease prevention is hinged on the need to mobilize communities for better health outcomes. 

He said while communities expect much from health personnel, it is equally important that they are educated to know what to do.

He said there is the need to ensure that the capacity and competence of nurses to assess individual and the communities total health needs are developed.

 Dr. Kumbour said a lot can be achieved when qualified nurses are placed in communities under the Community Based Health Worker Programme.

  More qualified Nurses he said will be posted to deprived areas to support community structures to improve health care. 

 He was quick to add that nurses should not see postings to these areas as punishment but a personal challenge which will be recognized. 

A Lecturer at Central University College Mrs. Jane Mensah Okrah called for wayward nurses to be sanctioned. 

 The President of GRNA, Alice Asare-Allotey, spoke about some concerns of the Association which included working conditions for nurses and salary.

She also asked the Ministry of Health to insure all motorbikes given to nurses to avoid complication during accidents.