The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced the commencement of payments to clear outstanding salary arrears owed to 321 Pharmacist House Officers who completed their training in 2024.
Addressing journalists during the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Friday July 18, the Minister described the move as a significant step in resolving long-standing concerns within the health sector, particularly around delayed remuneration and unemployment among qualified health professionals.
I am proud to share that we have taken decisive steps to clear the salary arrears for 321 Pharmacist House Officers who completed training in 2024, with payments now being processed,” Akandoh stated.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by newly trained pharmacists, especially those who have served diligently during their housemanship but have waited months to receive their entitlements. The Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to resolving such issues permanently.
In addition to addressing arrears, Akandoh revealed that the Ministry is actively working to recruit the 1,621 qualified pharmacists who are currently awaiting permanent employment.
“While 1,621 qualified pharmacists await permanent employment, we are prioritising their recruitment as part of strengthening our health workforce,” he said.
The Minister noted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at clearing the backlog of unpaid and unemployed health professionals across all cadres. The goal, he emphasised, is to ensure that every qualified health worker has the opportunity to contribute to Ghana’s healthcare delivery.
“This is just one example of our broader commitment to clearing the backlog across all health worker cadres, ensuring every qualified professional has the chance to serve and strengthen Ghana’s health system,” he added.
source:www.senaradioonline.com/The Exposé
