Teaching hospitals to run only two accounts-Health Minister order boards

The Minister for Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has inaugurated new boards for major health institutions. These include Korle Bu, Komfo Anokye, Tamale, Cape Coast, and Sunyani Teaching Hospitals. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons are also included.

At the ceremony, Mr. Akandoh emphasized that these appointments are serious responsibilities. He described them as a "solemn call to service" requiring integrity and discipline. Board members must focus on achieving measurable results.

He announced that all board members will sign performance contracts. These contracts will outline key performance indicators. Regular progress reports will be submitted directly to his office.

“We need more than good intentions,” the Minister stated. “We need measurable outcomes and a relentless focus on results.”

To improve hospital operations, Mr. Akandoh directed teaching hospitals to maintain two accounts. One account is for infrastructure maintenance; the other is for essential medical equipment servicing. He stressed that maintenance is a foundational obligation.

Addressing opioid abuse, he urged the FDA to enhance its regulatory measures. “We cannot allow this crisis to spiral further,” he declared.

Regarding the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, he mentioned the Mahama Cares Initiative. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers for treating Non-Communicable Diseases.

Mr. Akandoh encouraged expanding specialist training in critical areas like cancer care and dialysis. This expansion will help ensure equitable healthcare access across Ghana.

“These are responsibilities to be honored,” he concluded. He charged all board members to uphold high standards of public service and accountability.