925 Physician assistants, certified registered anaesthetists inducted
HEALTHCARE professionals have been urged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and empathy to maintain public trust and ensure the delivery of quality healthcare.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, who gave the advice emphasised that while clinical knowledge remained essential in healthcare delivery, it must be matched with compassion and ethical conduct to build a healthier population.
She made the remarks on Wednesday at the induction ceremony of 925 newly qualified Physician Assistants (PAs) and Certified Registered Anaesthetists into the Medical and Dental Council (MDC) in Accra.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah expressed concern over recent reports of professional negligence and unethical behaviour within the health workforce, describing such incidents as morally unacceptable and a betrayal of the Hippocratic Oath.
“Our society holds healthcare professionals in high esteem, and with that comes a soaring expectation. Any lapse not only compromises patient care but can erode public trust in the healthcare system,” she said.
She warned that violations of professional standards would be met with firm regulatory action under the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857), moving forward.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening systems of accountability and ethical governance, Dr Ayensu-Danquah said the Ministry was working closely with the MDC to update laws and guidelines in response to emerging health challenges.
She also announced ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the physician assistant profession.
These include a transition from direct post-secondary admissions to a post-basic training model, which will require applicants to have prior training and experience in allied health fields before enrolment.
In addition, a new career pathway is being developed to enable outstanding physician assistants to pursue further training to become medical doctors or dentists.
“These initiatives will not only enrich clinical exposure and maturity among trainees and raise the calibre of future PAs, but also align with national health workforce planning, rewarding professional excellence with structured opportunities for advancement,” she stated.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah encouraged the inductees to remain lifelong learners, dedicated to professional development and guided by empathy, integrity, and service.
“Treat each individual you come across with dignity and respect. The white coats you wear are symbols of service and trust, and I pray you honour them as you honour your people,” she added.
The Chairman of the MDC board, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, urged the new practitioners to uphold non-discriminatory care in their practice.
“Treat anybody who comes to seek care from you as you would treat Prof. Akosa, because illness is no respecter of persons, and you won’t know when you could become the next patient,” he said.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
