AHSAG calls for stronger accountability in Free Primary Healthcare implementation

The Association of Health Service Administrators, Ghana (AHSAG), has called for stronger administrative coordination, accountability and resource management to ensure the successful implementation of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme. The Association says the initiative’s success will depend not only on policy and funding but also on effective planning, logistics, maintenance and supervision at health facilities.

It has also raised concerns about staff discipline, financial management systems and the sustainable funding of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. The concerns were outlined during AHSAG’s 49th Annual General Conference and Continuing Professional Education programme, in Tamale, Northern Region. The Association of Health Service Administrators, Ghana (AHSAG), Rev.

Ezekiel Amadu Daribi, said health service administrators must be actively involved in planning and implementing healthcare policies to improve service delivery. “Involve Health Service Administrators in programme planning, implementation, resource allocation and relevant decision-making structures. Implementing facilities should receive the administrative capacity and operational resources needed to deliver the programme.

AHSAG stands ready to contribute its expertise in administration, transport, estates, supply chain and technical support services,” he said. AHSAG seeks role in Free Primary Healthcare implementation AHSAG commended the government for introducing the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme, describing it as an important step towards improving access to essential healthcare and advancing Universal Health Coverage.

However, the Association cautioned that the programme’s effectiveness would depend on the capacity of health facilities to manage resources, coordinate services and maintain the infrastructure required for quality healthcare delivery. It called on the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, development partners and other stakeholders to involve health service administrators in programme planning, implementation, resource allocation and relevant decision-making processes.

The Association said its members had the expertise to support the programme in areas including administration, transport, estates management, supply chain operations and technical services. Calls for stronger staff discipline The Association also expressed concern about misconduct among some healthcare workers, warning that negligence, absenteeism, lateness, abandonment of duty and breaches of patient confidentiality could undermine public confidence in health institutions.

It urged health service administrators, hospital administrators, facility heads and other managers to strengthen supervision, attendance monitoring, duty-roster compliance and staff performance management. AHSAG further called for regular staff education on professional ethics, confidentiality, patient rights and customer care. It stressed that alleged breaches should be addressed consistently and fairly, in accordance with applicable rules and due process.

Rev. Amadu said maintaining discipline and professionalism was essential to protecting patients and improving the quality of healthcare services. Concerns over GIFMIS role assignments The Association also called on the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to review role assignments under the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

According to the association, some health service administrators and pharmacists have reportedly not been assigned system roles that correspond with their approved responsibilities. AHSAG warned that incomplete or unclear role configurations could disrupt established workflows and weaken coordination within health institutions. “AHSAG calls on the MoH, GHS and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to review the relevant GIFMIS role configurations against approved responsibilities and financial controls.

The review should identify the specific functions affected and ensure that authorised officers have the access needed to perform their duties, subject to segregation of duties, approval limits and applicable financial management requirements” he said.