Attraction and Retention of Medical Doctors to the Upper West Region: Prospects, Challenges and the Way Forward

Abstract

This study is aimed at understanding the prospects and challenges associated with attracting and retaining medical doctors to the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study looked at the reasons medical doctors were unwilling to accept postings to the Region, the current initiatives by the Ministry of Health and its partners and their effectiveness, and the key factors considered viable to brand the Region as the employer of choice in getting medical doctors to take up appointments there and be retained. The study used a qualitative research methodology and employed structured interview guide. A total of sixteen respondents comprising medical doctors, health managers and other health related partners participated in the study. The findings from this study suggest that medical doctors were unwilling to take up appointments to the Region generally because of limited opportunities for career and continuing professional development, poor financial inducement, weak leadership, and in particular superstition and high dependence on indigenous doctors. Critical success factors needed to brand the Region to help surmount the challenge included concessions for medical specialisation training, sponsorship, and clear, coordinated and coherent national and local policies that offer a brand promise on appointments to the Region. Keywords: Attraction, Retention, Medical Doctors, Prospects, Challenges, Way Forward, Upper West Region