This engagement between the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is intended to support efficient healthcare delivery through postgraduate medical training. Aside detailing its key areas of focus, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signifies also, the recognition by both parties, of the need for collaboration in achieving the personnel-ready and facility-resourced objectives of their pursuit. The scope of interests highlighted in the MOU borders around three areas. These are; assessment procedures, resource provision and regulatory measures, all with respect to the creation and use of training centers in District and Regional Hospitals in the country.
Assessment Procedures
The College together with the Ghana Health Service per the terms stipulated will perform an evaluation of health facilities to determine its’ conduciveness to training programmes. Further in this area, the College will accord accreditation after evaluation. And as part of its requirement to the agreement will ensure continual supportive supervision of trainees through Trainers to enable optimal delivery of knowledge in the training processes.
Resource Provision
Posting of residents requiring training at health facilities shall be facilitated by the College, as will the selection of Faculty members that will be identified to train the residents. Ghana Health Service shall in response make available, the necessary assistance. This includes granting of teaching and clinical rights to the Trainers and also patient-consented-access to wards and specialized units within the hospital for educational purposes.
Regulatory Measures
Sanctions shall be applied to residents by the College to deter any behaviour that will prove disruptive to the training programme as supported by the College and the Ghana Health Services.
On the part of the College, this is yet another fruitful step in the delivery of its responsibilities as an institution of medical training. The College is of the belief that the success of this arrangement will update medical education in Ghana to progressive heights.
