The Management of Wa Municipal Hospital has directed 19 staff members to refund various sums of money obtained through unauthorized means from patients. The decision for reimbursement follows an investigation by a six-member disciplinary committee that found the staff guilty of several misconducts, including the indiscriminate sale of non-drug medical consumables, improper demands from clients, and the collection of unauthorized fees at the hospital’s maternity ward.
The ordered refunds range from as little as GH¢4 to as much as GH¢286, reflecting the different amounts illegally collected by the implicated staff. These reimbursements are among several punitive measures imposed by the committee, which was tasked with investigating numerous complaints of extortion, insubordination, illegal fees, and the unauthorized sale of non-drug consumables at the facility.
Hospital Administrator Sampson Abu confirmed the situation during an interview with Channel One TV, stating that the decision to investigate came after the hospital received several complaints from the public regarding inappropriate conduct by the hospital staff.
“The hospital’s administration has recently faced significant public criticism due to the conduct of some staff members towards patients. One of the most pressing issues was the alleged illegal and indiscriminate sale of non-drug medical consumables to clients at the maternity ward, despite management’s precautions against such practices,” Mr. Abu explained.
To address these concerns and uphold the dignity of both clients and staff, the hospital formed a committee to thoroughly investigate the allegations. The investigation found compelling evidence against a number of midwives who were involved in serious violations. According to Mr. Abu, items such as surgical gloves, urinary catheters, urine bags, pads, and bed mats were sold to expectant mothers at the maternity ward without the knowledge or authorization of the hospital’s management.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that some of the midwives had confessed to making improper demands and collecting unauthorized fees from patients, actions that are strictly prohibited under the Ghana Health Service’s code of conduct and disciplinary procedures.
As part of the disciplinary actions, in addition to the refunds, the affected staff members are also facing changes in their work schedules or transfers to different locations. These measures are intended to serve as a deterrent to others who might contemplate similar misconduct in the future.
Mr. Abu emphasized that all actions taken against the staff were in strict adherence to Chapter 8, sub-sections 1 and 4, of the Ghana Health Service code of conduct, which outlines major offenses and their corresponding penalties. The management aims to ensure that all staff members adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior.
In his statement, Mr. Abu also urged the public to maintain their trust in the hospital and continue to report any concerns or issues for redress. “We want to assure our clients that their well-being is our priority, and we will continue to work tirelessly to provide quality healthcare services while maintaining a high standard of conduct among our staff,” he said.
At the time of reporting, Channel One News reached out to some of the affected midwives for their comments. However, they declined to respond, stating that they were planning to meet and provide an appropriate response later.
The management’s actions come at a critical time when public trust in healthcare facilities is paramount. The hospital’s efforts to address misconduct and enforce strict disciplinary measures are seen as steps towards restoring public confidence and ensuring that patients receive care in a fair and respectful environment.
The Wa Municipal Hospital’s decisive response to these violations highlights its commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations. It also sends a clear message that unethical practices will not be tolerated and that any staff member found engaging in such behavior will face the full consequences in line with established regulations.
As the situation unfolds, many will be watching to see how the hospital continues to implement these reforms and maintain high ethical standards in its service delivery.
