Health Ministry dismisses claims gov't is abandoning newly trained doctors

The Ministry of Health has dismissed claims that Ghana is training medical doctors and subsequently abandoning them, insisting that established processes are in place to facilitate their transition from housemanship into permanent employment.

The Ministry said newly qualified doctors and dentists undergo a structured two-year mandatory housemanship programme before becoming eligible for permanent employment as Medical Officers and Dentists.

Its response follows public discussions and social media claims about delays in the recruitment and employment of newly qualified doctors, raising concerns about the country's ability to retain medical professionals after investing in their training.

In a press release issued on Thursday, November 5, and signed by Tony Goodman, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, the Ministry explained that the recruitment and posting of house officers are jointly undertaken by the Medical and Dental Council (MDC) and the Ministry.

It said three batches of medical doctors had commenced housemanship at different times in 2026, depending on their graduation dates and the completion of the required processes.

“The two years therefore constitute a continuous training process aimed at equipping newly qualified doctors with the requisite clinical experience before they transition into permanent employment,” the statement said.

The Ministry further explained that financial clearance for the entire two-year housemanship programme is obtained before trainees begin their first year.

This means doctors do not require a separate financial clearance to progress into the second year.

On permanent employment, the Ministry said it had established a procedure with the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the immediate transition of doctors and dentists from the second year of housemanship into permanent employment.

It disclosed that it was currently recruiting the 36th Batch of Medical Officers and Dentists while preparing to commence recruitment for the 37th Batch, whose members had recently obtained permanent registration from the Medical and Dental Council.

“Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be informed by accurate information and a proper understanding of the systems and processes involved,” the statement added.