Mahama announces 20% incentive for health workers in underserved communities
Written by; Regina Bless
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to introduce a 20 percent incentive on the basic salaries of health workers who accept postings to deprived and underserved communities across the country.
The President made the announcement at the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare programme at the Fian Health Centre in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District of the Upper West Region.
According to President Mahama, the incentive is intended to encourage more health professionals to accept postings to communities where their services are most needed and help address disparities in access to healthcare.
He commended young health professionals who have accepted postings to the district, describing their decision to work in underserved communities as an act of patriotism and commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
President Mahama also appealed to residents to welcome, respect and support the newly posted health workers, assuring that government was engaging with relevant stakeholders to address their needs and improve their working conditions.
Support for Free Primary Healthcare
As part of efforts to ensure the success of the Free Primary Healthcare programme, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to register for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and ensure that their memberships remain active.
He encouraged residents to take advantage of regular health screenings, particularly for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, stressing that early detection can help prevent complications and reduce avoidable health emergencies.
The President explained that while the Free Primary Healthcare programme would provide treatment for common conditions at the primary healthcare level, patients requiring specialised or further care could be referred to district hospitals.
In such situations, he said, active NHIS membership would help patients access the necessary treatment.
Focus on Prevention and Early Detection
President Mahama further highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and early detection, particularly among commercial drivers.
He stressed that regular health checks could help identify conditions that might otherwise lead to sudden health emergencies, potentially protecting the lives of drivers, passengers and other road users.
The proposed 20 percent incentive, together with the expansion of primary healthcare services, forms part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare and address the uneven distribution of health professionals across the country.
If effectively implemented, the incentive could encourage more health workers to serve in communities that have historically faced challenges attracting and retaining skilled medical personnel.