The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has issued a strong warning that health professionals across the country may be forced to withdraw their services if violent attacks against them persist.
This declaration follows a recent disturbing incident at the Emergency Unit of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), where a group of individuals verbally and physically assaulted medical staff, significantly disrupting emergency services.
In an official statement signed by GMA President Dr. (Med) Frank Serebour and General Secretary Dr. (Dent) Richard Selormey, the association condemned the acts as “lawless” and highlighted the grave danger posed to the lives and safety of health workers and hospital property.
“The Ghana Medical Association has taken notice of a viral video circulating on social media that captures these violent episodes at Ridge Hospital. Such acts of impunity, where health professionals are subjected to verbal and physical abuse for various reasons, are alarmingly frequent and must stop immediately,” the statement emphasized.
The GMA called on the Ghana Police Service to swiftly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
“While the Association recognizes some concerns raised by the lead gentleman involved, there exists clearly laid down processes and procedures to resolve concerns or grievances rather than resorting to violence, the association added.
Expressing disapproval, the GMA criticized the Health Minister’s reportedly friendly interaction with the principal suspect, warning that such conduct could inadvertently encourage similar unruly behavior by others.
“The GMA also wishes to express our displeasure with the open and friendly engagement of the lead suspect by the Minister of Health. Such displays only serve to encourage and embolden some unruly individuals to follow similar ways,” the statement stated emphatically.
The Association also urged Greater Accra Regional Hospital management to promptly conduct a thorough inquiry to uncover the facts behind the complaints, with the aim of devising long-term solutions.
“We call on the Management of Greater Accra Regional Hospital to immediately institute due
processes to ascertain the true facts about the grievances and find lasting solutions to the issues.”
They further recommended that affected staff receive immediate medical and psychological support to help them recover from the trauma of the attack.
To prevent recurrence, the GMA demanded that the hospital implement robust security measures to guarantee the safety of all health workers while performing their duties.
“Adequate security measures should be put in place to protect health professionals and ensure their safety is guaranteed while they do their work,” the statement noted.
Drawing attention to the severity of the situation, the GMA cautioned that continued violence could compel health professionals to invoke their rights under the Labour Act to withdraw from hazardous work environments to safeguard their lives, health, and personal safety.
“If these senseless attacks continue, health workers would have to exercise their right to remove themselves from situations that present imminent and serious danger to our lives, safety or health as per the Labour Act.”
The Ghana Medical Association concluded by noting it will closely monitor developments at Ridge Hospital and “may take further actions in due course” should the threats against health workers not be adequately addressed.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
