Emergency Medicine Society condemns public reprimand of TTH staff by Health Minister

The Emergency Medicine Society of Ghana (EMSOG) is very concerned. They are worried about the public “prosecution” of the Head of the Accident and Emergency Department at Tamale Teaching Hospital. This follows a recent patient death at the facility. The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has been involved in this situation.

In a statement, EMSOG offered condolences to the bereaved family. They also acknowledged the need for accountability in healthcare. However, they criticized how the Health Minister handled the incident. They called his actions premature and damaging.

EMSOG stated that no formal audit has been conducted yet. This means claims against emergency medicine practitioners remain unverified. The lack of due diligence undermines fairness and justice. It also exposes professionals to undue public criticism.

The group noted that the Minister’s comments have harmed healthcare workers' reputations. These workers already face immense pressure and systemic challenges. EMSOG said, “The current approach is demotivating for healthcare workers.” They emphasized recognizing these professionals' hard work and dedication.

To address this situation constructively, EMSOG made several recommendations. They suggest conducting a thorough audit of the incident first. This will help ensure evidence-based and fair conclusions are reached. Engaging with relevant stakeholders is also important for improving emergency care systems.

Additionally, EMSOG calls for policies that uplift healthcare workers instead of demoralizing them. They emphasize balanced and respectful discourse in discussions about healthcare improvement. Accountability must go hand-in-hand with support for those on the frontline.