The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has launched its maiden annual Medical Service Scientific Conference, marking a significant step toward advancing healthcare through evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary research.
The conference, held at the 37 Military Hospital Officers Mess in Accra, was themed “Breaking Boundaries: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Health Research,” drawing high-ranking officials from GAF and the 37 Military Hospital.
Speaking at the launch, Major General Joseph Prince Osei-Owusu, Chief of Staff of GAF, represented the Chief of Defence Staff and highlighted the conference’s goal to integrate evidence-based practices into healthcare decision-making for improved health outcomes across GAF facilities and the country.
“The Ghana Armed Forces Medical Services is committed to promoting evidence-based practices to elevate healthcare delivery within our facilities and nationwide,” Major General Osei-Owusu said. “Integrating evidence-based practices leads to improved healthcare quality, patient safety, innovative diagnosis, and positive clinical outcomes. Scientific evidence is vital for making informed healthcare decisions.”
Dr. Philip Nyinaku, Second in Command in charge of the Public Health Division, explained that the conference aims to showcase research and innovations from the GAF healthcare space to the public.
He encouraged healthcare professionals to engage in evidence-based practices and research, fostering peer review and addressing unprofessionalism in healthcare.
Dr. Nyinaku also noted that the 37 Military Hospital promotes evidence-based research through newsletters and digital publications. “We need corporate institutions to support these initiatives, not for personal gain, but to sponsor research that drives better healthcare,” he remarked, stressing that achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030 will require more research, particularly in preventive health.
In her welcome address, Captain (General) Harriet Manu, Officer-in-charge of the Public Health Division, emphasized the conference’s role in providing networking opportunities and fostering future collaborative research.
The GAF Medical Services has long been a cornerstone in Ghana’s healthcare system, providing not only medical support to military personnel but also emergency care to civilians in times of crisis.
Over recent years, the GAF has expanded its healthcare reach, and the establishment of this conference reflects its commitment to improving health standards for both military and public populations.
