Rheumatology in Ghana - the status quo

Today, the practice of Rheumatology in Ghana is in its infancy, still struggling to take off. Many people with rheumatic diseases in Ghana are not even aware that there is a specialty called Rheumatology that is tailored to address their peculiar muskulo-skeletal conditions. Manpower development in the field of Rheumatology is grossly neglected in high-level discussions of health care needs of the population.

In fact, prior to the year 2000, there was no specialist clinic in the whole of Ghana dedicated to the management of patients with rheumatic diseases. Dr. Joan Agama of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (may her soul rest in peace) was the first rheumatologist in Ghana to establish a specialist rheumatology clinic at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital that catered for patients from all over the country.

Dr. Ida Dzifa Dey is the second rheumatologist in Ghana who joined Dr Agama at the Rheumatology clinic at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Unfortunately, Dr. Agama passed away in 2014, leaving Dr. Dzifa Dey as the only rheumatologist at the Kole Bu Teaching Hospital Rheumatology Clinic.

A second Rheumatology clinic was established at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in 2012 by Dr Kwame Yeboah-Mensah, with the aim of serving patients with rheumaic diseases and conditions from the northern and central parts of Ghana.

In conclusion, as of July 2015, there are two rheumatology clinics in Ghana, run by one rheumatology specialist per clinic, that serve all patients who need specialist rheumatologic care. Needless to say, more rheumatologists need to be trained and also rheumatology nurse specialists also need to developed for better care of our patients.

We shall delve into the burden of rheumatic diseases in Ghana in subsequent blogs. Till then, live with love and conscience!

I would like to open this blog by saying a big welcome to all my future readers. This blog is intended to address issues encountered in rheumatology practice in our local setting in Ghana. I hope readers will find the blog both educational and beneficial. I welcome constructive comments from my readers, and together we will all enjoy this interactive blog. Thanks.