Members of the Association of Health Service Administrators, Ghana (AHSAG), have petitioned the government, Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to involve health service administrators in planning the Free Primary Healthcare Programme (FHP).
They should be carried along in implementation, resource allocation and relevant decision-making structures.
In a communique jointly signed by Rev. Ezekiel Amadu Dabiri, AHSAG President and Abdul Rashid Mohammed, AHSAG Secretary, following the Association 49th Annual General Conference and Continuing Professional Education Programme in Tamale and a copy made available to the Ghana News Agency, they commended the government for implementing the FHP, saying it would advance healthcare support.
“AHSAG commends the government of Ghana for introducing the Free Primary Health Care Programme as a step towards improving access to essential healthcare and advancing Universal Health Coverage,” stressing that strong primary healthcare could support prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, particularly for underserved and vulnerable communities.
The Conference observed that the programme’s success would however depend not only on policy and funding, but also on effective planning, coordination, logistics, maintenance, resource management and accountability at facility and system levels.
AHSAG therefore, called on the government, the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ghana Health Service (GHS), development partners and other stakeholders, to involve Health Service Administrators in programme planning, implementation, resource allocation and relevant decision-making structures, the communique said.
The Association also called on the government to provide adequate and sustainable funding, encouraging corporate Ghana to contribute to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
It further recommended regular assessment of financing needs, transparent reporting and strong accountability arrangements to support the Fund’s continued operation alongside the National Health Insurance Scheme and the FPH Programme.
On appointment and recruitment of Health Service Administrators, the Association expressed concerns about the delays.
“The Association’s information is that more than 100 Principal Health Service Administrators have been shortlisted for consideration for appointment as Hospital Administrators, but are still awaiting interviews. The prolonged delay has created uncertainty and risks, weakening staff morale,” it said.
The Conference called on the GHS and other responsible authorities to resolve outstanding administrative processes and communicate a clear timeline for interviews, appointments and postings.
It also urged the relevant authorities to expedite the financial clearance required for the recruitment of newly qualified Health Service Administrators and other essential support-service staff.
AHSAG stressed that adequate administrative and support-service staffing was necessary for effective facility management, sound governance and reliable healthcare delivery.
For enhanced service delivery and embracing emerging technologies, the conference called on the MoH and relevant agencies, to develop clear guidance for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
It said health institutions should establish approved-use policies, protect personal and health information, train staff, assess tools before deployment and ensure appropriate human review of AI-generated outputs.
It cautioned that AI should support but not replace professional judgment, accountable decision-making, established clinical as well as administrative responsibilities.