The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has condemned the attack on health workers at the Ridge Hospital in Accra.
The Association called on the hospital’s authorities to initiate measures to forestall a recurrence.
This is contained in a press release dated August 19 and jointly signed by the President, Dr Frank Serebuor and General Secretary, Dr Richard Selormey.
“The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has taken notice of a viral video on social media showing very disturbing developments at the Emergency Unit of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge (Ridge Hospital) where health professionals were verbally and physically assaulted by a group of persons and disrupting emergency services in the process.
The GMA strongly condemns the lawless acts of the perpetrators, which put the lives of staff, as well as the safety of property in danger. These acts of impunity where health professionals are abused verbally, physically or both, for various reasons are becoming one too many and must cease forthwith.,” the GMA stated.
The Association Ghana therefore called on the Ghana Police Service to take immediate steps to bring the perpetrators and their associates to book.
“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,’ it noted
“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 GMA cautioned.
They also called 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.”
“The hospital should also provide necessary medical and psychological support for the affected staff to help deal with the trauma inflicted by the incident. Additionally, adequate security measures should be put in place to protect health professionals and ensure their safety is guaranteed while they do their work.
The GMA warns that 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,” they warned
According to the GMA it is closely monitoring the situation in the facility and may take some actions in due course.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has set up a committee to investigate the incident.
He gave them 7 days to submit a report.
Source:Fiilafmonline/3News
