Accra, Aug. 30, GNA - Government has approved 1.7 billion cedis for the monthly payment of allowances as incentives for health professionals in deprived areas, Mr Amponsah Bediako, Government Spokesperson on Social Services, said on Monday.

Health professionals in deplorable and deprived areas, he said, would enjoy the allowance.

Fifty-five districts from the 10 regions including hard-hit areas in Upper West, Upper East, Northern and Central Regions would benefit from the programme.

Mr Amponsah Bediako said the money, which had already been disbursed for the programme, takes retrospective effect from June. "It is expected that with this package health professional in deprived areas would be encouraged to stay in such areas."

Mr Amponsah Bediako said that this was part of measures taken by the government to ensure a fair distribution of health professional in the country.