The Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons has been hailed as a critical institution that has aided in preventing the brain drain of medical professionals in Ghana.
Established in 2003 by an act of parliament, the College has been at the forefront of training medical specialists in Ghana.
Dr Nkrumah Mills, the former President of the College, made this known at a press briefing to announce the College's upcoming 20th-anniversary activities, themed “Two Decades of Medical Post Graduate Training in Ghana.”
Prior to the establishment of the college, medical professionals had to travel abroad for specialist training, causing a significant brain drain in the country.
However, the establishment of the college reduced the number of specialists leaving the country considerably.
Dr Mills stated, “So, if you look at the figures the number of people who were leaving the country was high but as soon as the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons was established, the numbers went down considerably so that is the situation.”
The Chairman of the Ghana Medical and Dental Council, Professor Paul Nyame, indicated that the College had significantly contributed to the training of medical specialists in Ghana, having produced 1,690 members and 200 fellows in 16 facilities across the divisions of physicians and surgeons.
He also mentioned that the College had contributed to policy discussions within the health sector by presenting policy recommendations on how to improve the sector to the Ministry of Health.
However, Professor Richard M.K. Adanu, the Rector of the College, highlighted that the institution was currently facing some challenges, including logistical constraints and a lack of materials to undertake the necessary training of medical professionals.
He added that the mismatch between the number of specialists trained and the ever-increasing population was also of grave concern to the college.
Dr Justina Ansah, the Anniversary Planning Committee Chairperson, outlined the activities lined up for the College's 20th-anniversary celebration.
Activities include sensitization of fellows, members, and residents of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, a public lecture, a health walk, and medical screening in Accra and Kumasi, a museum exhibition, and a donation to the Leprosarium, among others.
As Ghana continues to experience a shortage of medical professionals, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons remains a vital institution in preventing brain drain and ensuring the continuous training of specialists in the country.
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