A small introduction

About Us

The Society of Family Physicians of Ghana (SOFPOG) is a member of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA). The mission of SOFPOG is to improve the quality of life of all people by fostering high standards of care in family practice.

Family physicians provide continuous, comprehensive and coordinated healthcare to all individuals in the context of the family and community. Healthcare is provided to all persons irrespective of age, sex and type of disease. The physical, psychological and social aspects of health are all inclusive with this approach.

SOFPOG thinks that no person should be denied a chance to have a family doctor, irrespective of their location, economic status, age or sex. This is the basis for the campaign on the need for every family to have a family doctor when possible in the near future.

Primary health care is the delivery of scientifically sound healthcare using socially acceptable methods/technology to make universal health care accessible to individuals, families and communities at a cost affordable to them.  There is overwhelming evidence that the primary health care approach to health care is the most efficient and most cost-effective when compared to segregated health care systems that has resulted from increasing specialization.

where does a family physician fit in?

Why a Family Physician?

  1. A Family Physician who knows the patient, can be more effective in taking care of his/her health care needs. Usually, family doctors have and keep records of the health information of their patients. Past medical history, immunization history, patient’s blood pressure and blood sugar levels etc are usually available in the medical records and will inform decision making when something goes wrong. Knowledge of the patient’s psychosocial issues also helps the family doctor tailor treatment options to the particular patient.
  2. Once a professional relationship is developed with a Family Physician, emerging health concerns can be tackled early to prevent any possible long-term complications. Research shows that people who have an ongoing relationship with a family doctor have better overall health outcomes, lower death rates and lower costs of care compared to those without family doctors.
  3. Family physicians are involved in preventive care. Non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and obesity, are usually screened during regular checkups. Preventive medicine ensures that emerging diseases are diagnosed and managed early. Early diagnoses and management of disease reduces the cost burden on both patients and society. The old adage ‘Prevention is better than cure’ applies here.
  4. Family physicians also provide coordinated care. Patients who receive healthcare from more than one traditional specialist will need a family doctor to coordinate their care. Family physicians will usually check all medications to avoid duplication, unnecessary drug interactions and will monitor side effects of medication. They will also refer patients to the right specialist when the need arises and work closely with other specialists to take care of their patients.
  5. Family Physicians are trained to treat health problems in all areas of care including pregnancy, delivery, infant care, adult and elderly care, acute and chronic health conditions, emergency care, mental health conditions as well as undertake some surgical procedures. By having a Family physician, one would save cost as the need to see several other specialists will reduce.

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