Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-04-05 16:07:57
The Medical and Dental Council of Ghana (MDCG) recently held an induction ceremony for 295 newly qualified Physician Assistants (PAs), urging them to uphold high standards of professionalism and conduct in their respective fields. The inductees, comprising Medical, Oral Health, and Anaesthesia Assistants, were graduates from 14 universities and foreign health colleges in Ghana.
During the ceremony in Accra, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adams, emphasized the importance of healthcare professionals acting in accordance with the high regard society holds for them. He warned against the pitfalls of ego and inconsiderate conduct that could result from the allure of specialized knowledge and success, urging the inductees to maintain their humanity and capacity for care.
Alhaji Adams also highlighted recent media reports of professional negligence and unethical behavior among health professionals, stressing that such conduct was unacceptable. He called for the council to establish clear boundaries for the areas of practice appropriate to the level of training of all registered practitioners to ensure accountability and uphold ethical standards.
Recognizing the need to enhance healthcare delivery and uphold ethical best practices, the Chief Director commended the council for proposing amendments to the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857) to safeguard the public interest and elevate the standards of medical and dental training and practice. He pledged the ministry’s commitment to expediting the consideration of these amendments at the parliamentary level to foster a healthier and more equitable society.
Dr. Divine N. Banyubala, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council, reminded the newly inducted PAs of the weight of responsibility that comes with their transition from students to professionals. He emphasized their role as frontline professionals entrusted with the care of human lives, including the responsibility of making life and death decisions. Dr. Banyubala highlighted the importance of being formally admitted into the profession by the council, registered, and regulated in their pre-registration practice.
Dr. Constance Addo-Yobo, Member of the Dental Board, advised the inductees to work within the scope of their mandate and not rely solely on the internet for knowledge, cautioning that not all information online is reliable. Through the guidance and support provided by the Medical and Dental Council, the newly inducted Physician Assistants were urged to uphold ethical standards, professionalism, and excellence in their practice.
Overall, the induction ceremony served as a reminder of the significant role healthcare professionals play in society and the importance of upholding high standards of professionalism and conduct to ensure the well-being of patients and the public.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
