Doctors equipped with medical research skills pass out

Kumasi, Nov. 21, GNA - The first batch of doctors to successfully complete a one-year innovative training programme that links medical research on common diseases in Ghana with clinical care at the weekend received certificates in Project Design and Management in Kumasi. The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the United Kingdom awarded the Certificates.

The recipients included Dr Sampson Antwi who had a distinction, Dr Margaret Karikari, Dr Gyikua Plange-Rhule, Dr Isaac Kofi Owusu and Dr Paul Achampong.

The training programme, which is a partnership between Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, aims at equipping health professionals with the necessary research skills to enhance quality health care delivery.

Currently the second batch of 13 health professionals made up of doctors, physiotherapists and pharmacist are undergoing the course. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ken Sagoe, Director of Health Resources Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), said lauded as "admirable" the fact that the programme enables the doctors and other health professionals to work and learn on the job whilst staying closer to their patients.

Dr Sagoe announced that the GHS would join the partnership to help more doctors in the various districts to benefit and thereby improve the quality of service.

The Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health (MOH), Dr Kofi Ahmed, noted that the programme would significantly help to raise the quality of care for common medical conditions and increase the number of consultants in the country.

Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Chief Executive of KATH, spoke of plans to set up a Research and Development Centre at the Hospital next year.