The 21st Annual General Conference of the Ghana Physician Assistants Association (GPAA), held at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, brought together healthcare professionals from across the country to address the pressing issue of resource constraints in sub-district healthcare systems.

This year's conference, themed "Leveraging Networks of Practice Implementation to Accelerate the Attainment of Universal Health Coverage: Resource Constraints at the Sub-District Level under the Microscope," aimed to shine a light on the critical challenges facing healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

In his keynote address, the Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Chrysantus Kubio, speaking on behalf of the Ghana Health Service, emphasised that achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) would be a challenging but necessary goal.

He noted that the most profound challenges would manifest at the sub-district level, where limited resources impede effective healthcare delivery.

"Your role as healthcare professionals is not just significant but integral to the success of our healthcare system," he said, addressing the gathering of physician assistants.

He highlighted that the health service, as a corporate entity, would be the greatest beneficiary of any positive outcomes from the conference.

The Role of Physician Assistants in Achieving UHC

The Director underscored the critical role physician assistants play in bridging the gap between healthcare aspirations and on-the-ground realities, especially in underserved and rural communities.

He acknowledged that physician assistants are often the first point of contact for patients in these areas, delivering essential services despite facing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient medical supplies, and staff shortages.

Referencing the legendary Bob Marley, he stated, “He who feels it, knows it more,” emphasizing that those working in resource-constrained environments understand the challenges more deeply than anyone else.

The Director went on to advocate for the Networks of Practice (NoP) strategy, which seeks to address the inequitable distribution of healthcare services.

The Volta Region, having been the first to pilot the NoP strategy in 2018, has since pioneered its further development and implementation.

"In short, if NoP were a religion, you would have come to its spiritual home," he quipped.

The Importance of Networks of Practice

Networks of Practice (NoP), as described by the Director, refer to collaborations between healthcare professionals, institutions, and community members working together to achieve common goals.

These networks, particularly in resource-limited environments, help pool resources, coordinate services, and foster collective problem-solving. NoPs have the potential to transform healthcare delivery by sharing knowledge and mobilizing resources in ways that lead to improved health outcomes.

However, the Director also stressed that challenges remain in fully unlocking the potential of these networks. These include:

Strengthening Health Information Systems: Ensuring effective data sharing and communication between health facilities is crucial for the success of NoPs.

Building Leadership and Governance Capacity: Strong leadership is needed to coordinate networks of practice and maintain focus on their objectives.

Securing Sustainable Funding: Long-term financing models are essential for sustaining NoPs, particularly in resource-constrained environments. This may require partnerships with governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations.

Universal Health Coverage: A Paradigm Shift Needed

The conference theme aligns with Ghana’s broader strategy to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030.

The Director called for a paradigm shift in strengthening the country’s healthcare system, particularly at the primary care level, which he described as a “conduit for achieving UHC.”

He emphasised that while Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) and district hospitals have been the focus of health systems strengthening, the critical role of health centers as referral points has been largely overlooked.

He pointed out that the majority of physician assistants work in health centers, serving in clinical, public health, administrative, and leadership roles at the sub-district level. Yet, when it comes to capacity building, physician assistants are often sidelined.

"The neglect by politicians, policy makers, and technocrats is very worrying," he added, calling for healthy engagement on the scope of practice of physician assistants in strengthening the healthcare system.

The Way Forward

The Director concluded by emphasizing the importance of innovative approaches like the NoP strategy in addressing resource limitations and improving healthcare access.

He encouraged the participants to continue advocating for the resources needed to ensure that healthcare is accessible to all.

"By doing so, we can make significant strides toward attaining Universal Health Coverage and building healthier, more equitable societies for future generations."

Chairperson’s Remarks

Chairman for the occasion, Torgbui Ayim Adzokoto, praised the Ghana Physician Assistants' Association for their dedication to quality healthcare delivery.

He expressed hope that the government would address the concerns of the association as soon as possible.

GPAA’s Commitment

On his part, the General Secretary of the GPAA, Peter Eyram Kuenyefu, reiterated the association’s commitment to pursuing Universal Health Coverage despite the challenges.

He emphasised the critical role physician assistants play in the healthcare system and called on the government and stakeholders to prioritize their needs.

Kuenyefu stressed that the Networks of Practice strategy is Ghana's most deliberate policy in strengthening sub-district health systems in recent decades. However, adequate human resources, improved conditions of service, and better practice environments are vital for the success of this strategy.

He encouraged participants to engage actively in discussions, strengthen their professional networks, and take advantage of the serene environment of the Volta Region to relax and rejuvenate for the tasks ahead.

As the conference continues, the discussions and outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Ghana. With the physician assistants at the forefront of sub-district healthcare, their collaboration and advocacy could be the key to overcoming resource challenges and achieving the country’s goal of Universal Health Coverage by 2030.