Kumasi, June 3, GNA- The University of Cape Coast and the Central University, have been mandated to train physician assistants, effective from next academic year.

The assistants, who are slightly above medical assistants, are expected to treat minor clinical cases but not surgery. Dr Kenneth Sagoe, Director of Human Resource Division of the Ghana Health Service, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Kumasi that the move was to fill the yawning gap created by the exodus of health professionals in search of greener pastures.

He said the Kintampo School of Hygiene; the only institution that has been training medical assistants would be equipped to increase the intake of students.

It presently has the capacity to admit 40 students for the academic year.