Twenty-five healthcare institutions and professionals have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to Ghana’s medical and diagnostic sector. The 5th Ghana Medical and Diagnostic Excellence Awards, held on Saturday, August 1, in Accra, recognised these entities for their dedication and impact on national health.
The awards ceremony brought together healthcare practitioners, policymakers, industry leaders, and government representatives. It served as a platform to celebrate advancements and discuss persistent challenges within Ghana's healthcare system. Speakers emphasised the importance of quality diagnosis, innovation, and compassionate care for a healthier and more prosperous Ghana.
This recognition comes as Ghana continues to grapple with significant healthcare infrastructure and human resource challenges. The country's healthcare system faces issues such as inadequate diagnostic equipment, maintenance difficulties, and a notable exodus of skilled professionals. These factors collectively impact the accessibility and quality of medical services for the general population.
Juliet Agyapomaa Okae, Deputy Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Chairperson of the event, described healthcare as a cornerstone of national development. She stressed that quality diagnosis, innovation, and compassionate care are essential for building a healthier Ghana. She also urged awardees to uphold integrity, professionalism, collaboration, and innovation.
John Chigbu Esq., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cassona Healthcare Group, delivered the keynote address. He challenged Africans, especially those in the diaspora, to contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare delivery on the continent. Mr. Chigbu highlighted the lack of timely diagnosis as a critical issue, citing his mother's passing due to undiagnosed breast cancer.
Mr. Chigbu explained that Cassona's investment in Ghana's healthcare sector aims to bridge these gaps. His team identified high equipment costs, lack of local engineers, inadequate training, and unreliable electricity as major barriers. Cassona's approach includes making diagnostic equipment more affordable and building local technical capacity.
He also lamented the migration of healthcare professionals from Ghana, stating that many leave due to a lack of necessary tools. Mr. Chigbu noted that approximately 15,000 nurses left Ghana two years ago. He added that Nigeria alone has about 24,000 doctors in the United States, underscoring the severity of the brain drain.
Representing the Chief of Staff, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Akyenpim Jantuah reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening Ghana's healthcare system. She highlighted investments in infrastructure, digital health, diagnostics, and medical education. Ms. Jantuah described healthcare professionals as unsung heroes whose dedication provides hope to patients.
Ms. Jantuah emphasised that accurate diagnosis forms the foundation of effective treatment. She commended healthcare workers for ensuring patients receive timely and reliable medical care. The government is committed to embracing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and telemedicine to improve healthcare delivery.
The Presidential Staffer also appealed to the private sector to support the government's Mahama Care initiative. This program seeks to assist patients living with non-communicable diseases. Staff at the Office of the President have already contributed GHS 6 million from their salaries towards this initiative, demonstrating a commitment to public health.
The awards serve as a reminder that while individual excellence is celebrated, systemic improvements require collaborative efforts. Continued investment from both public and private sectors, alongside policy reforms, will be crucial for Ghana to achieve a resilient and globally competitive healthcare system. Addressing the root causes of professional migration and ensuring access to modern diagnostic tools remain key priorities for future development.