The Managing Director of Nyaho Medical Center, Dr. Elikem Tamalo, has proposed viable solutions to the continuing exodus of medical professionals from Ghana.
Address this issue with JoyNews Change speaker series IV On Saturday 16 December, the Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by health worker turnover and stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to deal with the situation.
Dr. Tamaklo expressed concern about the continued attrition of healthcare workers in search of better opportunities and skills development, while highlighting the impact on the delivery of quality healthcare.
He cited recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health that Ghana's achievement of universal health coverage is at risk if this issue is not effectively addressed.
Speaking on the theme, “Ghana’s Future, Ghana’s Legacy: Addressing the Talent and Leadership Gaps in Ghana’s Health Care”, Dr. Tamakuro highlighted one of the central challenges in the health sector: the lack of training of health workers. listed.
He said the low doctor-patient ratio in Ghana was a matter of concern, especially when compared to other regions facing global health shortages.
“We have one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios. Compared to other parts of the world where people migrate, the UK is globally under-served because of the lack of health-care globally.” And yet, if you have a high doctor-to-patient ratio and our country comes from a low base, what we're dealing with is a supply and demand problem, and we need more supply. ” he said.
To address the shortage of health workers, Dr. Tamakuro suggested that the government prioritize and strengthen training programs to ensure a more skilled workforce. He emphasized the importance of addressing supply and demand issues by increasing the number of health workers.
Dr. Tamaklo further urged hospitals not to compromise on the quality of healthcare delivery, stressing the importance of maintaining high standards for an effective healthcare system.
Dr Tamaklo called for changes in the policy regime and advocated collaborative efforts between government and private health facilities. He emphasized the need for public and private hospitals to operate on a level playing field and suggested developing a policy framework that creates a fair and enabling environment for both sectors. Dr. Tamaklo said this approach would keep public hospitals operating costs low, allowing for appropriate investment and ensuring a strong and quality health system for the people.
About Dr. Elikem Tamaklo
- Dr. Elikem Tamakuro is the Managing Director of Nyaho Medical Center, a leading healthcare provider in Ghana and the country's first private group healthcare institution.
- He has held this role since 2015, during which time he led the hospital's digital transformation to integrate services, equipment, and infrastructure through an integrated hospital information system centered on patients and their families.
- Dr. Elikem Tamaklo was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2016 Ghana Entrepreneurship Awards and Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 8th All African Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) held in Johannesburg, SA in 2018. He has received many awards including the Business Leader Award.
- In 2022, Dr. Elikem Tamakuro emerged as the winner of the Man of the Year Health Award by Emmy Africa and the 40 Under 40 Health Award winner by the 40 Under 40 Awards.
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