President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger and more coordinated health regulation across Africa to protect patients and improve confidence in healthcare systems.
He said universal health coverage should not be measured solely by access to healthcare but must also guarantee safety, quality, ethical standards and accountability.
President Mahama made the call in Accra while addressing the 28th Annual International Conference of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa.
He identified the rapid expansion of digital health and artificial intelligence, migration of health professionals, forged qualifications, humanitarian crises and the spread of health-related misinformation as emerging challenges requiring stronger regulatory responses.
The President urged African health regulators to deepen cross-border cooperation, improve the verification of professional credentials and strengthen safeguards for health data.
He also called for appropriate regulatory frameworks to govern the use of digital health technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare.
President Mahama stressed that artificial intelligence should complement the work of health professionals rather than replace professional judgement and human responsibility.
On Ghana’s healthcare system, the President said the National Health Insurance Scheme currently covers about 76 per cent of the population, with government targeting 90 per cent coverage.
He also highlighted the rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme in about 160 districts and government efforts to increase local pharmaceutical production.
President Mahama urged African countries to work collectively to develop health systems that are locally owned, meet global quality standards and prioritise patient protection.
He subsequently declared the 28th Annual International Conference of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa officially open.
