Only 3 of 26 Medical Doctors Posted to Upper East Assume Duty – Regional Minister

Date of Report: January 22, 2026 | Source: Life Pulse Daily (Adapted)

Introduction

The Upper East Region of Ghana is facing a critical healthcare staffing shortage despite recent government postings. According to a statement by the Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri, only a fraction of the newly assigned medical personnel have actually reported for duty. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the situation, exploring the implications for regional healthcare delivery, the specific statistics involved, and the long-term structural solutions being implemented to address medical doctor attrition in Northern Ghana.

Key Points

Background

The Upper East Region, historically one of Ghana’s underserved areas in terms of healthcare infrastructure, has long struggled with the recruitment and retention of specialized medical staff. Despite national efforts to improve health outcomes in Northern Ghana, the region continues to face challenges in attracting doctors compared to urban centers in the south.

In 2025, the Ministry of Health posted 26 medical doctors to the region to bolster healthcare delivery. This move was part of a broader government initiative to address regional disparities in medical staffing. However, the Regional Coordinating Council recently revealed that the deployment has not translated into immediate on-the-ground capacity.

Mr. Akamugri highlighted that while the government has invested heavily in infrastructure and the deployment of nurses, midwives, and community health workers, the absence of medical doctors remains a bottleneck in delivering comprehensive care.

Analysis

The Doctor-to-Patient Ratio Crisis

The core issue identified by the Minister is the strain on the doctor-to-patient ratio. In medical demographics, a favorable ratio is essential for effective diagnosis, treatment, and patient follow-up. The current situation—where only 3 out of 26 assigned doctors are active—significantly dilutes the intended impact of the government’s recruitment drive.

Even with the slight improvement noted by the Minister, the region remains far below the national target for physician coverage. This gap places an unsustainable burden on the few doctors currently serving, leading to burnout and potentially lower quality of care.

Understanding Doctor Attrition

The low reporting rate highlights a phenomenon known in medical HR as “attrition before deployment.” This occurs when professionals accept postings but fail to report due to various factors, including:

• Lack of specialized facilities for practice.
• Poor living conditions or infrastructure gaps.
• Attraction to private sector roles in urban areas.
• Desire for further training abroad or in major cities.

Mr. Akamugri’s statement suggests that the region must become more attractive to medical professionals not just through salary, but through professional development opportunities.

Practical Advice

For healthcare administrators, policymakers, and medical professionals considering placements in rural areas, the following strategies are derived from the current situation in the Upper East Region:

1. Implement “Bonded” Training Programs

One of the most effective ways to ensure retention is to train doctors locally. The planned establishment of a medical college at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) offers a model where students are trained within the region. Often, students who train in a specific locale are more likely to serve there, either due to community ties or institutional bonding agreements.

2. Upgrade Facilities to Teaching Hospitals

Converting the Upper East Regional Hospital into a teaching hospital is a strategic move. Teaching hospitals offer:

• Continuous Learning: Doctors can specialize without leaving the region.
• Research Opportunities: Access to data and clinical cases that attract academic physicians.
• Peer Support: A community of specialists reduces professional isolation.

3. Diversify the Healthcare Workforce

While waiting for physician numbers to increase, the region is wisely intensifying the deployment of nurses, midwives, and Community Health Workers (CHWs). Task-shifting—where non-physician staff handle specific primary care duties—is a proven method to maintain service levels in resource-limited settings.

FAQ

Conclusion

The statement by Regional Minister Donatus Atanga Akamugri highlights a critical disconnect between policy implementation and practical outcomes in the Upper East Region’s healthcare sector. While the posting of 26 doctors was a positive policy decision, the reality that only three have assumed duty underscores deep-seated structural issues.

However, the region is taking proactive steps toward a solution. By transitioning the Regional Hospital into a teaching facility and partnering with UTAS to establish a medical college, the Upper East Region is laying the groundwork for sustainable medical education. This pedagogical approach—training doctors within the community they serve—represents the most viable long-term strategy for solving the region’s healthcare staffing crisis.