Mr Segbefia was addressing the 58th Annual General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association, (GMA) in Ho. The conference is on the theme, “Cardiovascular Diseases: Emerging Trends.” Mr Segbefia said the country had increased the production of doctors in the past decade, so there was no shortage of employment.

However, he explained, many doctors had refused to accept their postings.

He said, consequently, about two-thirds of placement for doctors were still vacant, especially in the districts, where they were needed most.  Mr Segbefia said whilst only a third accepted postings to the districts, Accra recorded 100 per cent posting acceptance. He said the Ministry was, however, working with the training institutions to address the challenge.

On the theme of the Conference, Mr Segbefia urged doctors to embark on community engagements to educate the public on the diseases and preventive measures.

Dr Kwabena Adusei-Poku, President, Ghana Medical Association, earlier urged medical doctors to form groups to operate joint healthcare care services to reduce unemployment in the profession.  “We don’t want our members to form unemployed doctors association so we have to find innovative ways of employing ourselves,” he stated.

Dr. Adusei-Poku announced a Staff Fund and challenged members to contribute to the fund.

He said the Association was working with the Government for the full implementation of the GMA’s Conditions of Service document and called for support from all members.  Dr Adusei-Poku also urged the Government to bring a closure to issues regarding the Tier Two Pension of medical doctors. Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, the Volta Regional Minister, said it was worrying that most people with cardiovascular diseases were unaware and called for healthy lifestyles and regular exercising.