2023 WAPCMLS AGM: Govt committed to training lab specialists -Deputy Health Minister

Deputy Health Minister Mahama Seini in a speech read on his behalf by Acting Director of Technical Coordination Directorate of Health Ministry Dr. Baffour Awuah has revealed that government is committed to partnering West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science in the training of specialists in the Medical Lab sector.

President of West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science Prof. Eugene I. Ekeh says the book runners of the college are committed establishing an edifice in Ghana for training of specialists within the laboratory sector.

Council Chairman of West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science- Ghana Chapter Prof. George Awuku Asare has urged government to set up a special insurance scheme to cater for patients on Dialysis. He also wants government to establish a legal framework to strictly regulate kidney transplanting. He was speaking at 2023 Annual General Meeting of West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science in Accra.

Dialysis is a life-saving medical procedure that is essential for patients suffering from kidney-related illnesses. Over the years, Ghana has made significant strides in improving access to medical care but there remains a persistent gap in addressing financial constraints faced by kidney patients. The high cost of dialysis treatments has placed a heavy burden on individuals and families, often leading to financial distress.

Speaking at 2023 Annual General Meeting of West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science in Accra, the Chemical Pathologist Prof. George Awuku Asare said government needs a legal framework for kidney transplanting and special insurance scheme for Dialysis treatment.

The relevance of specialist training in medical laboratory science is key in diagnosis and treatment of kidney related diseases. Contributing to the debate, Acting Director of Technical Coordination Directorate of Health Ministry Dr. Baffour Awuah said there is urgent need for specialist training to improve health outcomes.

Meanwhile, former President of Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Director of Programmes in-charge of Allied Health at Ministry of Dr. Ignatius Awinibuno says a market survey is being conducted to improve specialist training in the medical laboratory sector. According to him development of formidable Laboratory professionals for efficient delivery of services.