Medical and Dental Council Announces Common Registration Exams for Practitioners

The Ghana Medical and Dental Council has inducted 327 newly qualified doctors and dentists from seven universities across the country. The induction ceremony, held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, emphasized the weight of responsibility these healthcare professionals now carry.

Dr Divine Banyubala, the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council, stressed the pivotal role of the newly inducted practitioners, highlighting the transition from students to frontline professionals entrusted with making critical decisions affecting human lives. He urged them to be mindful of their responsibilities as they formally entered the profession and embarked on their pre-registration practice, commonly known as Housemanship.

Starting January 2024, the Council, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, plans to develop a five-year strategic development plan aligned with key sector policies. A notable initiative includes the introduction of a common registration examination for both locally and foreign-trained medical and dental practitioners. This move aims to streamline the accreditation process and ensure uniform standards across the board.

Dr Banyubala also revealed plans for a specialist training center, funded by the Ministry of Health with support from the World Bank. This aligns with the Council’s objective to enhance local training capabilities for doctors and dentists.

However, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, expressed concern over the conduct of some healthcare professionals. He emphasized the need for high standards of professionalism and conduct, cautioning against negligence, improper behavior, and unethical practices that have been reported in the media. Alhaji Adam stressed the importance of maintaining humanity and the capacity to care amidst the challenges and successes of the medical field.

In conclusion, he urged the newly qualified doctors and dentists to uphold the oaths they took during the induction ceremony, demonstrating diligence, integrity, dedication, and respect in their service to the public. The Ministry of Health looks forward to a collaborative and positive relationship with these healthcare professionals, emphasizing the crucial role they play in society.