The Ministry of Health (MoH) has escalated an alleged case of medical misconduct involving officials at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba. The matter has been referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Attorney General’s Department for further examination.
According to a statement dated October 2, 2024, signed by the Public Relations Officer, the Minister for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has directed that the conduct of the implicated hospital staff be reported to the appropriate authorities. This decision follows an investigation by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), which found that the officials had failed to take proper action in handling a patient who was transferred to Ojobi and later abandoned until her death.
The release noted that the employees identified as having contributed to the planning and evacuation of the patient did not act appropriately, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The GHS committee suggested that the responsible staff members should face internal disciplinary measures.
Despite these internal recommendations, the ministry highlighted that the severity of the incident, particularly the loss of life, necessitates further investigation by the Attorney General’s office. The statement emphasized that, “In light of the gravity of the issue captured in the report, involving the loss of life, further investigations should be carried out by the Honourable Attorney General and Minister for Justice.”
Additionally, the ministry has requested the assistance of the Attorney General to investigate the role of the staff and to determine any further actions that may be needed. By referring the case to both the CID and the Attorney General’s office, the ministry has demonstrated its resolve to ensure accountability.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining high healthcare standards, the ministry expressed its intention to follow the recommendations provided by the GHS, stating, “The Ministry of Health is committed to the recommendations made by the committee of the GHS.”
