In a recent development, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has initiated a collaboration with Interpol to identify and trace health workers who were granted study leave with pay but failed to return to fulfill their bond terms upon completing their programs. This move aims to compel beneficiaries to refund the salaries they received during their studies, whether undertaken in Ghana or abroad.
Bond Terms and Auditor-General’s Report:
The GHS bond conditions stipulate that awardees must report for work at the end of the bond period. Failure to do so within 10 days after the study leave period’s expiration leads to being deemed to have vacated the post, requiring a refund of all salaries received, plus interest. The Auditor-General’s Report highlighted infractions in the accounts of ministries, departments, and agencies for the year ending December 31, 2022, prompting the Ministry of Health (MoH) to address these concerns before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
Recovery Efforts and Involvement of Interpol:
Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the GHS, reported that efforts to recover the amounts have been challenging, especially since many beneficiaries are now residing outside the country. The GHS has enlisted Interpol’s assistance in pursuing these individuals and reclaiming the funds. Despite some beneficiaries making partial payments, a substantial amount remains outstanding.
Disagreement with Recovery from Principal Medical Officers:
The Auditor-General’s recommendation to recover unpaid amounts from Principal Medical Officers was met with disagreement from Dr. Kuma-Aboagye. He argued that study leave approval is granted through regional health directorates to the GHS headquarters, emphasizing that these entities should handle the issue rather than individual officers.
Challenges and Brain Drain:
The Director-General acknowledged the challenges in retrieving funds and expressed concern about the increasing brain drain in the health sector. With approximately 4,000 nurses lost across the country in the last three years, Dr. Kuma-Aboagye highlighted the need for competitive compensation to retain experienced professionals. He opposed a directive suggesting banks guarantee study leave, citing potential deterrent effects on individuals taking up responsibilities.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between the GHS and Interpol underscores the seriousness of addressing unreturned study leave salaries. The complexities involved in recovering funds, coupled with the ongoing challenge of brain drain, necessitate a comprehensive approach to retain skilled healthcare professionals and ensure the effective functioning of Ghana’s health sector.
