Ministry’s Allied Health Taskforce inducts 400 new interns

The Allied Health Taskforce, a body established by the Ministry of Health on Friday, held an induction and swearing-in ceremony for over 400 new graduates who have completed their training in the various disciplines of the Allied Health Sciences.

The interns were from the College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, the University of Cape Coast, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the Health Training School, Kintampo as well as some other private accredited health training institutions in the country.

Mr Justice Kwesi Dapaah, a High Court Judge, led the interns to take the Allied Health Oath which binds practitioners to among others place their clients at the centre of their jobs and against all odds be selfless and dedicated to their profession.

Dr Samuel Yaw Opoku, Registrar, Allied Health Taskforce Secretariat, said the interns have completed their courses of study in the various Allied Health Science disciplines which include biomedical Science, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Prosthetic and Orthotics Technology as well as Environmental Health.

He said they would be given further orientation to undertake a one year internship which would run concurrently with their national service before they could work as fully qualified practitioners.

The ceremony which was under the theme: “Delivering Self and Effective Practice in Allied Health Profession through Efficient and Responsible Regulatory Framework”, led Professor Fred Binka, Vice-Chancellor, University of Health and Allied Science, Ho, proposed that the Taskforce be elevated to the status of a Council.

He said this would strengthen their capacity and role to regulate the training and practice of the allied health professions.

He acknowledged the critical roles played by allied health professionals within the health system of the country, without whom quality of care and service delivery would have been an illusion.

Prof Binka said although it was critical that the health sector expanded its human resource base to man the increasing health needs arising from lifestyle changing and Non-Communicable diseases, there was the need for regulation to prevent sub-standard professionals, eliminate quacks and prescribe sections for those who misconduct themselves or flout the rules.

He said a strong legislation would then promote high standard of professionalism and ensure continuous education of health professionals.

He advised the interns to exhibit humility and a high sense of professionalism as well as dedication to service and to humanity.

Prof Binka further urged them to seek continuous education in order to upgrade their knowledge on the changing phase of health care due to technological advancement.

Mr Robert Joseph Nunoo, Deputy Minister of Health, commended the taskforce for its hard work and for delivering on their mandate which demands that they regulate the training and practice of the Allied Health professions, pending the passage of the Professions Regulatory Bill which was currently before parliament.

He gave the assurance that Parliament was working on the health Bill and would soon pass it into law.

He challenged the interns to take up postings to rural communities where opportunities abound for them to ‘practicalise’ their knowledge and turn their challenges into opportunities.

He said the Ministry remains committed to ensuring a healthy human capital and would depend on them to ensure a good and healthy nation.

Source: GNA