Ministry of Health responds to claims of abandoning newly trained Doctors
Story by: Regina Bless
The Ministry of Health has responded to public concerns and social media claims suggesting that Ghana trains medical doctors and subsequently abandons them due to delays in recruitment and employment.
In a press release dated November 5, 2026, the Ministry rejected the suggestion that newly qualified doctors are left without opportunities after completing their medical training, explaining the processes governing their transition from housemanship to permanent employment.
According to the Ministry, the recruitment and posting of house officers are jointly undertaken by the Medical and Dental Council and the Ministry of Health. It noted that three batches of medical doctors commenced their housemanship at different times in 2026, depending on their graduation dates and completion of the required processes.
The Ministry further explained that housemanship is a mandatory two-year practical training programme for newly qualified medical doctors and dentists. The first year is spent at secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities, while the second year provides practical experience at the district level.
It also clarified that financial clearance for the entire two-year programme is secured before the commencement of the first year, meaning doctors do not require separate financial clearance to progress into their second year.
On permanent employment, the Ministry disclosed that it has established a procedure with the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the immediate transition of doctors and dentists from their second year of housemanship into permanent employment.
The statement revealed that recruitment is currently underway for the 36th Batch of Medical Officers and Dentists, while preparations are being made to commence recruitment for the 37th Batch, whose members have recently obtained permanent registration from the Medical and Dental Council.
The Ministry also highlighted that its current recruitment approach prioritises identifying actual vacancies across health facilities before opening recruitment, to ensure that qualified medical professionals are distributed according to staffing needs.
It maintained that medical education and housemanship in Ghana are regulated by the Medical and Dental Council, dismissing suggestions that the training and placement processes are disorganised.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that investment in medical education translates into improved healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
The statement was signed by Tony Goodman, Esq., Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, on November 5, 2026.