John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to prepare legislation that would impose strict sanctions on health workers who refuse to provide emergency medical care to patients.
The proposed bill is expected to be presented to the Parliament of Ghana for consideration in the coming weeks.
According to the directive, the legislation will focus on ensuring that patients in critical condition are treated promptly at health facilities, regardless of circumstances such as payment disputes or administrative procedures.
The move follows growing public concern over reported cases in which patients were allegedly denied urgent treatment at hospitals and clinics across the country.
Government officials say the planned law is intended to strengthen accountability in the health sector and protect the rights of patients in life-threatening situations.
Speaking at a public engagement, President Mahama emphasized that emergency care must not be delayed under any circumstance, stressing that health professionals have a duty to prioritize the preservation of life.
He noted that the new bill would establish clear legal consequences for individuals or institutions that fail to comply.
Health sector stakeholders are expected to be consulted as the bill is drafted, with the government indicating that the legislation will also outline guidelines for hospitals on how to handle emergency cases more efficiently.
If passed, the bill would mark one of the most significant legal reforms aimed at improving emergency healthcare delivery in Ghana in recent years.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
