A NEW PARADIGM SHIFT FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS (PAs) IN PRIVATE PRACTICE

Reforming and Regularizing the Recruitment, Salaries, and Conditions of Service (CoS) of PAs in Private Practice in Ghana

Recruitment, Salary & CoS Standardization Initiative for PAs in Private Practice

Physician Assistants (PAs) are critical healthcare professionals and undoubtedly indispensable members of the healthcare delivery system, especially within Ghana’s primary healthcare sector. While the majority of PAs are employed by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), and other faith-based organizations, a significant number of fully licensed PAs, who are yet to receive government postings, find themselves working in private health facilities across the country.

It is essential to emphasize that the PA profession is a formal occupation governed by Ghana’s Labour Laws, with clearly defined salary structures and conditions of service (CoS). Unfortunately, many private healthcare facilities fail to adhere to these standards, subjecting PAs in private practice to unfair labour practices, poor remuneration, and unfavourable conditions of service.

As a profession regulated under the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857) and supervised by the Medical and Dental Council, it is imperative to safeguard not only the professional welfare of PAs but also the quality of patient care and safety. Numerous concerns have been raised by PAs in private practice regarding contract breaches, salary disparities, poor CoS, and various forms of ill-treatment by some facility owners, CEOs, and administrators.

These prevailing challenges not only compromise the well-being of the healthcare provider but also pose a significant risk to patient safety and healthcare delivery outcomes. It has therefore become necessary for the leadership of the PA profession to take deliberate and proactive steps to address these concerns.

The Way Forward: Standardization of Recruitment, Salary, and Conditions of Service (CoS)

To this end, the profession is introducing a comprehensive reform aimed at streamlining PA recruitment, standardizing salaries, and regulating conditions of service for PAs working in private practice — in line with the principles of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Labour Laws of Ghana.

This initiative proposes that the recruitment of PAs into private practice be centralized through an official recruitment portal facilitated by the Ministry of Health. Under this system, only duly registered and licensed private healthcare facilities will be eligible to recruit PAs — similar to the CHAG recruitment model. Additionally, collaboration with regulatory agencies will ensure that only facilities meeting the minimum standards and criteria will be permitted to engage PAs.

Through this initiative, PAs in private practice will benefit from:
• Standardized and non-negotiable salary structures.
• Regularized payment mechanisms through the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD).
• Clearly defined conditions of service (CoS).
• Opportunities for professional growth, promotions, and protection against exploitation.
• Enhanced job security and conducive working environments to promote optimal healthcare delivery.

Upholding Discipline and Professionalism

Leadership is also mindful of the concerns expressed by some private facility owners regarding the misconduct or indiscipline of certain PAs. The profession remains committed to upholding high standards of discipline and professionalism. Thus, all concerns of misconduct shall be addressed through appropriate institutional disciplinary procedures that align with the national standards set by the Ministry of Health. It is important to emphasize that while this reform seeks to protect PAs, it equally empowers facility owners to take necessary disciplinary actions where appropriate.

Conclusion

Despite the current challenges confronting PAs in private practice, the profession remains a vital and indispensable component of Ghana’s health sector. Leadership remains committed, resolute, and prepared to implement the necessary reforms to address these challenges, improve working conditions, and meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.

Together, we can build a better future for PAs in private practice — a future where dignity, professionalism, and quality healthcare delivery thrive.

✍🏾 Samuel A. Nunoo (PA-Med)
Communication Officer, JPAAG.

Editors;
Francis Appiah (PA, CEO-Aya Media)
Ebenezer Ghartey (Senior Nurse)
Theophilus Kwame Narh (PA-Med.)
Mavis Oforiwaa (PA-Med.)
Samuel Adjetey (Health Admin)
PMR & Editorial Committee, JPAA