The Private Hospitals Advisory Board (PHAB) was established under the Private Hospitals Regulation Act, 1977 and the Amendment Act, 1991.The Board through the Private Hospitals Act of 1977, (CAP.151) and its amendment of 1991 is mandated for registration, control and regulation of the business of Private Hospitals, and organizations and persons running health services on private basis.

The office of the Registrar of Private Hospitals is an operational unit of the Advisory Board and the core functions of the unit include, to advise the Minister to approve qualified applications, keeping and maintaining the register of approved private hospitals, organizations and persons aiming at delivering health services, and to receive and process applications to establish and operate new hospitals.

The Private Hospital Advisory Board has seven (7) board members, namely the Chief Medical Officer who is the Chairperson of the Board by virtue of the position; a legally qualified person nominated by the Attorney-General from amongst persons employed in the Attorney-General’s Chambers; and not more than five other members. These members are appointed by the Minister of Health as follows:

• One member from recognized umbrella organization of owners of private hospitals (APHFTA);

• One member from Department of Curative Services of the Ministry responsible for Health (DCS);

• One member from Department of health services in Ministry responsible for regional administration and local Government (PO-RALG);

• One member from National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF); and

• One member from Faith Based Organizations (BAKWATA/CSSC).

The term of office for the Board Members is three years, where a board member can be re-appointed with a maximum of two terms.

For better carrying out of its functions under the Act, the Board may co-opt any qualified person to attend any meeting of the Board for purposes of assisting it in the deliberation of any matter as the Board may specify. The co-opted member shall have no right to vote in any meeting of the Board. The Minister appoints the Registrar of Private Hospital and the Assistant Registrars. The Assistant registrar not only assist the Registrar of Private Hospitals in the preliminary process of registration but also foresee the implementation of PHAB Act and its regulations.