The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has recently called on the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to focus on addressing the critical challenges facing public healthcare delivery in the country rather than scapegoating frontline workers. Dr. Richard Selormey, the General Secretary of the GMA, expressed his concerns in an interview with JoyNews, emphasizing that blaming workers for systemic failures is not the solution.
The GMA’s statement came after a senior colleague was allegedly mistreated by the Health Minister during an official visit to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, leading to the dismissal of the hospital’s CEO. In response, doctors at the hospital have suspended emergency and outpatient services indefinitely.
Dr. Selormey highlighted the difficult conditions under which health professionals are working, citing examples of doctors using their own money to fund essential services. He stressed the need to address systemic issues rather than placing blame on individuals who are already under immense pressure.
The General Secretary criticized the Minister’s confrontational approach, stating that such issues should be handled respectfully and privately. He also expressed concern about the impact of public humiliation on junior doctors, questioning their future in such a hostile environment.
Dr. Selormey urged the government to shift its focus from blame to finding solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare system. He emphasized the importance of supporting health professionals who are already sacrificing their mental and emotional well-being to provide care under difficult circumstances.
Meanwhile, the Health Minister has appealed to doctors and health professionals at the Tamale Teaching Hospital to end their strike and return to negotiations for the sake of patients and the healthcare system as a whole.
In conclusion, it is evident that the GMA is calling for a more collaborative and supportive approach to addressing the challenges in the healthcare system, rather than scapegoating frontline workers. The focus should be on finding solutions to systemic issues and providing the necessary support to healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly to care for patients.
