Kumasi, Nov. 9, GNA - The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on the Ministry of Health to adopt and implement the World Health Organisation's (WHO's) "Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care."

This, the Doctors said, demanded putting in place a comprehensive system for care of accident victims and to equip hospitals along the major highways with the basic facilities for efficient handling of the victims. The GMA's call was contained in a nine-point communiqu? issued and signed jointly by Dr Jacob Plange-Rhule, President, and Dr K.S. Jehu-Appiah, General Secretary, at the end of its 45th Annual General Meeting in Kumasi.

The Association asked the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Transport Unions, Drivers and the general public to take urgent steps to ensure safety on the roads.

It urged the government to provide adequate resources needed for smooth operation of the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Besides, it should speed up the process of making health an essential service and treat it as such with all its responsibilities and privileges including appropriate retirement benefits.

The GMA reminded the government about the need to recognise and commit itself to salary enhancement and improved conditions of service for health professionals as a top priority in reversing the effects of the "brain-drain" on the health sector and the health of the people. It should as well ensure the sustainability and expansion of the car loan facility to health professionals.

On the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Doctors asked government to hold further consultations with all stakeholders and continue public education to facilitate the speedy and smooth implementation. The Association advised Ghanaians to undertake physical exercise regularly, reduce alcohol in-take, avoid the use of tobacco and other hard drugs and adopt healthy eating habits.

The GMA re-stated its resolve to continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to fight the menace of HIV/AIDS.