The recent incident at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, also known as Ridge Hospital, has shed light on serious systemic failures within Ghana’s healthcare system, according to former Vice President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Justice Yankson.
In a recent appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Dr. Yankson emphasized that the incident, in which a medical professional was allegedly assaulted, is not an isolated event but rather a symptom of larger issues within the healthcare system.
While an investigation committee found no delay in attending to the patient in question, it did uncover several systemic failures that resulted in delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Yankson highlighted the committee’s findings, which pointed to a lack of functional equipment and broken diagnostic tools at the hospital. He expressed concern that if the flagship facility of the Ghana Health Service is facing such challenges, the situation in district and sub-district healthcare facilities must be even worse.
The former GMA official criticized Ghana’s poor “culture of maintenance,” noting that equipment purchased with public funds often deteriorates due to lack of upkeep. This lack of adequate facilities not only affects patient care but also leads to frustration from patients and their families being redirected towards healthcare workers who are doing their best under difficult circumstances.
Dr. Yankson’s remarks underscore the urgent need for a thorough review of Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure and a renewed commitment to addressing the systemic challenges that hinder patient care and put the lives of healthcare professionals at risk.
It is clear that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach and a commitment from all stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of both patients and healthcare workers. Only by addressing these systemic failures can Ghana’s healthcare system truly serve the needs of its population.
