Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has indicated that the government is reviewing admissions into nursing and other health training institutions, citing concerns that the number of graduates far exceeds the capacity of the health sector to absorb them into employment.
Speaking at the Volta Regional launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy in Ho, the minister stressed the need for a national discussion on ensuring that admissions into health training institutions are aligned with available job opportunities.
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According to Mr Akandoh, between 34,000 and 35,000 students are admitted annually into nursing and health training colleges, but recruitment into the health service has not kept pace with these figures.
He noted that the imbalance has created challenges for government employment efforts and requires urgent attention.
The minister explained that reducing admission quotas could help ease the burden on public sector recruitment while allowing the government to redirect resources toward improving healthcare delivery.
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He suggested that savings from lower enrolment numbers could be invested in essential medical equipment and other critical healthcare infrastructure to enhance service delivery nationwide.
Mr. Akandoh emphasised that the decision would require broad stakeholder engagement, urging Ghanaians to consider whether maintaining current admission levels or reducing them in favour of greater investment in healthcare facilities would better serve the country’s needs.
His remarks come amid ongoing concerns over the large number of trained nurses and other health professionals who remain unemployed despite completing their studies.
Meanwhile, Volta Regional Minister James Gunu called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy.
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He said the initiative is expected to improve health outcomes, expand access to healthcare services, reduce inequalities, and support Ghana’s progress toward achieving universal health coverage.
Mr. Gunu further noted that the success of the policy would depend on active community involvement, strategic partnerships, and a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare services at the local level.
The Free Primary Healthcare Policy is currently being piloted in 150 districts across the country, including five districts in the Volta Region.
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The programme covers healthcare services delivered through Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and health centres.
As part of activities marking the launch, the Health Minister donated medical equipment, tricycles, and bicycles to the five beneficiary districts in the Volta Region to support healthcare outreach and service delivery efforts.