192 Doctors inducted into Medical and Dental Council
One hundred and ninety two newly qualified doctors and dentists have been inducted into the Medical and Dental Council, Ghana.
This followed their successful mandatory academic and professional training at the various medical schools in the country, namely the University of Ghana Medical School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Schools of Dentistry and Medical Sciences), University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, the University of Ghana Dental School and the Family Health University, a private medical school.
The inductees included foreign-trained doctors and dentists who had passed the council’s registration examination, as well as a batch of Ghanaian medical and dental students who were displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war.
The new cohort joins a workforce of over 13,000 doctors and dentists serving across the nation.
Standards
In his address, read on his behalf by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Desmond Boateng, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, charged the inductees to uphold the highest form of professional standard since any lapse not only affected a patient but could erode public trust in the healthcare system.
“A violation of this sacred trust is unacceptable and will call for stricter regulation in line with Part Two of the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857),” he added.
He warned against misconduct and complacency, emphasising that medical practice was not only about curing disease but also about compassionate care.
The minister expressed concern over reports of professional misconduct in recent times, noting that such acts — though committed by a minority — undermined public trust.
“We cannot allow the reckless actions of a few to tarnish the reputation of the many honourable practitioners who uphold their duties with integrity,” he stressed.
Mr Mintah Akandoh reiterated the ministry’s commitment to work closely with the Medical and Dental Council to strengthen regulatory frameworks, update laws, and enforce accountability and ethical practices across the sector.
He announced the completion of phase one of the National Specialist Skills Training Centre at Pantang, which was funded by the World Bank.
Duties
The Chairman of the 11th Board of Council of the MDC, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, who administered the Hippocratic Oath to the inductees, said that while the profession was noble and respected, it was also deeply demanding and emotionally testing.
He urged the inductees to maintain their composure and professionalism even in moments of loss.
Drawing from the responsibilities outlined by the Medical and Dental Council, Prof. Akosa emphasised the need for respect for human life, confidentiality, honesty, and open communication.
“To justify the trust patients place in you, you must make their care your primary concern. The art of listening is part of your professionalism. Do not assume; listen to your patients and respond to their concerns,” he said.
He also reminded them that knowing their limits and making timely referrals were a mark of strength, not weakness.
Honesty
On ethics, Prof. Akosa called for honesty in admitting errors, and integrity in all professional dealings, saying, “If you make an error, admit it, apologise, and commit to doing better.”
Addressing discrimination in health care, Prof. Akosa warned the inductees against looking down on patients or colleagues based on education, social background, or economic status.
”Wisdom and common sense are not confined to the classroom.
Show respect to everybody — never abuse the trust placed in you,” he advised.
The Registrar of the MDC, Dr Divine N. Banyubala, reminded the inductees that they were now “custodians of public trust” and bore full professional responsibility for the lives in their care.
He cautioned against negligence, unethical conduct and breaches of confidentiality, describing such behaviour as a betrayal of the profession’s trust.
