Nurses and Physician Assistants in Ghana Can Now Train to Become Doctors
In a major policy shift aimed at strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that experienced nurses and physician assistants can now pursue training to become medical doctors. This move seeks to bridge the gap in the country’s doctor-to-patient ratio and provide a clear career advancement path for mid-level healthcare professionals. By opening the doors for nurses and PAs to transition into full-fledged physicians, the government hopes to retain more skilled health workers, especially in underserved and rural communities where the need for medical doctors is most urgent.
This initiative is seen as a progressive step in transforming Ghana’s healthcare workforce. Traditionally, becoming a medical doctor in Ghana required going through a six-year academic route starting from scratch. With this new pathway, experienced health practitioners with proven clinical experience can build on their training and contribute even more effectively to the nation’s healthcare delivery. However, the specifics of the program—including entry requirements, duration, and accreditation—are yet to be detailed. The announcement has sparked conversations about how to ensure quality and consistency in medical education while expanding access to healthcare nationwide.
