Mr Mark Kurt Nawaane, Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, has urged medical professionals who are unable to cope with the demands of their work to resign, following findings from a parliamentary probe into the death of a patient, Mr Charles Amissah.
He said Ghana’s healthcare system depended on ethical commitment, professionalism and accountability from health workers.
“If you are a medical professional and you are tired of the work, you probably have to resign. I’m telling you,” Mr Nawaane stated.
His remarks followed the presentation of a report by a three-member investigative committee chaired by Professor Agyeman Badu Akosah to the parliamentary committee.
The report recommended disciplinary action against some health workers over alleged breaches of professional duty in the handling of Mr Amissah’s case after a medical emergency.
Mr Nawaane commended the investigative committee for what he described as a transparent approach, particularly the decision to identify individuals involved in the incident.
“Immediately we started and mentioned medical negligence and even started coming up with names, and I said thank God, this is a step forward,” he said.
He noted that previous investigations into similar incidents often focused on health facilities instead of individual responsibility, stressing that accountability should extend to personnel directly involved.
“Now we are saying that it is beyond just a facility. It is the individuals,” he added.
Mr Nawaane further urged medical practitioners to adhere strictly to professional ethics and seek assistance from colleagues or senior doctors when confronted with difficult cases.
“If you are ready to work, please, there are ethics. If you can’t do something, you call your colleague doctor, your senior doctor,” he said.
The comments come at a time of increasing public concern over healthcare delivery standards in Ghana, with issues of patient safety and accountability drawing heightened attention.
The committee’s recommendations are expected to guide further action by the relevant health authorities.
