A Dedicated Hospital for Teachers: A Deserving Reward for Their Service

Teachers shape the future of our country by guiding young minds, instilling core values, and preparing students for successful lives. Nevertheless, teachers encounter numerous challenges that go beyond their classroom duties. Alongside their teaching roles, teachers frequently find themselves acting as counsellors, security personnel, health care Providers, and emergency responders. These added responsibilities place tremendous strain on them, resulting in stress, burnout, and serious health issues.

Importantly, unlike other professions that have dedicated support systems, teachers in Ghana shoulder the burden of multiple responsibilities. In many rural and under-resourced schools, teachers are relied upon for administrative tasks, financial management, and student welfare duties. For example, they often serve as emotional support figures for students dealing with personal hardships. Moreover, teachers are responsible for handling school finances.  O Occasionally, they cover students’ expenses out of their own pockets. In emergencies, they become the first point of care for sick or injured students in the absence of school nurses.

Consequently, these additional roles lead to significant stress and fatigue for teachers. Over time, this stress culminates into severe health issues such as hypertension, depression, and chronic fatigue. Yet, there is no dedicated healthcare support system in place to address the healthcare needs of teachers. Needs.

The Healthcare Challenges Faced by Teachers in Ghana

Access to quality healthcare is a significant concern for teachers as well. They earn modest salaries that barely meet their basic needs. This makes it difficult for them to afford some level of medical treatment when necessary. Although the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) offers some coverage, it often falls short of guaranteeing quality care, as many critical medications and services are not included. For instance, teachers with chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension struggle to pay for necessary medications due to financial limitations. Unlike professionals in other fields who have comprehensive health insurance, teachers do not. As a result, some teachers delay seeking medical care until their conditions worsen.

Sadly, there have been numerous instances of teachers losing their lives to preventable illnesses due to their inability to afford treatment. Others work while unwell, exacerbating their health issues. For example, in 2023, a devoted teacher in the Eastern Region passed away after months of struggling with an illness without access to proper medical care. The situation is even more alarming for retired teachers, many of whom lack financial resources for their medical needs. After years of service to the nation, it is unacceptable for teachers to suffer due to inadequate healthcare support.

A Hospital for Teachers: A Feasible Solution

To resolve this pressing issue, establishing a specialized hospital for teachers and their families in Ghana is vital. Such a facility would provide tailored medical care that meets the distinct needs of educators. Funding for the hospital could come from a combination of government support, teacher unions, private sector contributions, and resources from educational institutions.

A dedicated hospital for teachers would offer multiple benefits, including:

• Accessible and Quality Healthcare: The hospital would ensure teachers receive timely and quality medical care without financial worries, preventing delays in seeking treatment due to cost.
• Mental Health Services: Recognizing the emotional toll of teaching, the hospital could provide counselling mental health resources to assist teachers in managing stress and anxiety.
• Care for Retired Teachers: The facility would also cater to retired educators, ensuring they have access to much-needed healthcare in their later years.
• Support for Teachers’ Families: Including the families of teachers in the healthcare plan would provide essential support, allowing teachers to focus on their work without worrying about their dependents’ medical needs.
• Promotion of Preventive Care: The hospital could offer regular health screenings, wellness initiatives, and lifestyle education to help teachers maintain their health and prevent chronic illnesses.

Moving Forward

The vision of a dedicated hospital for teachers in Ghana is not merely aspirational; it is imperative. The government, the Ghana Education Service (GES), teacher unions like GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT-GH, along with other education stakeholders, must prioritize the health and well-being of teachers. Moreover, investing in a healthcare facility for teachers is not an expense but an investment in the future of education. Healthy teachers would contribute to better educational outcomes, ultimately benefiting society.

It is also crucial for teacher unions and professional organizations to passionately advocate for this initiative. Policymakers should consider allocating a portion of the national education budget for establishing and maintaining healthcare facilities for teachers. Additionally, exploring public-private partnerships can ensure the sustainable operation of such a project, with corporates supportive of education potentially providing financial or medical resources.

Conclusion

In essence, teachers dedicate their lives to nurturing the future if of our nature builders. The immense burden they carry, both inside and outside the classroom, negatively affects their health and longevity. It is high time to change this narrative by ensuring they receive the healthcare support they truly deserve. A specialized hospital for teachers would be a fitting tribute to their sacrifices, guaranteeing access to quality medical care throughout their careers and into retirement.

A nation that values its teachers is investing in its future. The time to take action is now.

WRITTEN BY: WISDOM KOUDJO KLU, EDUCATIONIST/COLUMNIST, GREATER ACCRA REGION. [email protected]