Government Urged to Invest in Health Training Institutions Instead of Building New Ones.

Accra: The government has been urged to allocate resources towards enhancing existing Health Training Institutions (HTIs) instead of constructing new ones. The call was made by Madam Margaret Mary Alacoque Dapilah, President of the Conference of Heads of Health Training Institutions (COHHETI), during the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and scientific session of the organization.According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Dapilah emphasized that the current HTIs possess the potential to train the necessary skills and numbers if they receive adequate resources and support. She highlighted the need for budget allocations, infrastructural development, vehicle provision, and comprehensive upgrades to keep pace with evolving healthcare trends.The conference, which focused on the theme "Evolving Trends in Health: The Role of Health Training Institutions," underscored the significance of HTIs as pivotal players in achieving universal health coverage. These institutions produce professionals who deliver healthcare ser vices at various levels, including community settings.Established in 2006, COHHETI provides a platform for discussions on issues impacting the organization and management of HTIs. It comprises Principals and Directors from 92 Health Training Institutions responsible for training professional nurses, midwives, and allied health staff. These institutions are instrumental in developing over 70 percent of the human resources needed for health, focusing on health promotion, preventive care, curative services, specialized treatments, and rehabilitative care.Madam Dapilah pointed out that healthcare needs have evolved significantly, particularly due to the triple disease burden of communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), injuries, and trauma. Meanwhile, technological advancements in hospitals have improved patient care and treatment processes. Consequently, HTIs must adapt their training programs to align with these developments and the technological wave.She further noted that the 5th industri al revolution presents both challenges and opportunities to transform the training of future healthcare professionals. There is an urgent need to revamp the institutions that contribute significantly to the human resource pool for health development.Nana Kobena Nketsia V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, who chaired the program, emphasized the importance of upholding the responsibility of preserving lives. He encouraged the group to leverage technology to produce high-quality professionals who remain human-centered in delivering care services.