The Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has made a passionate call on nursing and midwifery leaders across the country to translate research findings into actionable solutions to transform healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference 2026, the Deputy Minister emphasised that healthcare policies must be backed by evidence to achieve the nation’s primary health goals.
The five-day event was held under the theme “Bridging Research, Policy and Practice in Nursing and Midwifery to Advance Free Primary Healthcare in Ghana.”
According to Prof. Ayensu-Danquah, the success of the Free Primary Healthcare programme heavily relies on a strong alignment between scientific research, strategic policymaking, and daily clinical practice. She noted that such synchronization is vital to ensure the policy effectively meets the real health needs of local communities.
Highlighting the vital role played by frontline health workers, the Deputy Minister pointed out that nurses and midwives occupy a strategic position within the health system. This unique positioning, she explained, enables them to identify health conditions early, offer crucial preventive care, and facilitate swift referrals before complications arise.
She encouraged conference participants to leverage the daily evidence gathered from their clinical encounters to inform health policies. Strengthening primary healthcare at the community level, she added, remains the most effective strategy for decongesting specialized and tertiary hospitals across the country.
The annual conference also serves as a platform to celebrate dedication and exceptional service within the healthcare sector. This year’s gathering features awards spanning five major categories, including Clinical Excellence, Education and Research, Regulation, as well as Leadership and Governance.
A key highlight of the recognition scheme is the Honourable Minister for Health’s Award for Outstanding Contributions in Underserved Areas, designed to honour healthcare professionals who demonstrate selflessness in communities with severely limited access to medical services.
Besides the recognition of professional achievement, the conference offers nursing and midwifery managers a valuable opportunity to reflect on current practices, exchange experiences, build networks, and engage in constructive dialogue aimed at elevating the overall quality of healthcare delivery nationwide.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
