<h1><br></h1><p>Addressing members of Parliament's Health Committee, the Registrar of the Council, Dr. Divine Banyubala, disclosed that 17 medical practitioners have been reported with various mental health conditions, while 12 others are struggling with substance abuse. He described the situation as a growing concern that requires coordinated intervention from stakeholders across the health sector.</p><p>Dr. Banyubala explained that the Council has established a Health Assessment Panel to evaluate practitioners referred over concerns about their mental wellbeing and determine whether they are fit to continue practising. He noted that some referrals do not reveal serious mental health conditions, in which case the Council adopts a "watchful waiting" approach while continuing to monitor the individual.</p><p>The Registrar further disclosed that the Council convened a stakeholder conference in February 2026 to discuss the mental wellbeing of healthcare professionals. Participants at the meeting agreed that the MDC should lead a nationwide baseline study on the mental health and fitness to practise of healthcare workers in Ghana. The initiative is expected to provide data that will guide policy decisions and workplace support systems for health professionals.</p><p>The latest disclosure comes amid growing concern over the psychological pressures facing healthcare workers, including heavy workloads, long working hours, staff shortages and emotionally demanding clinical environments. Recent research conducted among physicians in Ghana has also found high levels of anxiety, depression and stress, reinforcing calls for stronger mental health support within the country's healthcare system.</p><p>The Medical and Dental Council says it will continue working with healthcare institutions and professional bodies to strengthen support mechanisms for practitioners while ensuring patient safety and maintaining high standards of medical practice.</p>