The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has voiced serious concerns about a decline in professionalism within the healthcare sector, highlighting issues such as chronic lateness, absenteeism, and insufficient work hours among health workers. Addressing members at the GMA’s annual general meeting, Dr. Serebour, a prominent figure in the association, noted troubling trends that are putting patient care at risk.
The GMA expressed concerns over rising instances of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as sexual misconduct by some healthcare professionals, which have sparked multiple lawsuits against the association for alleged medical negligence. “There has been a notable increase in poor documentation, insufficient hours dedicated to patient care, and instances of personnel showing up late or leaving early without fulfilling the expected workday,” Dr. Serebour stated.
Dr. Serebour also referenced growing allegations of bullying within the healthcare community, raised especially by junior doctors. He highlighted that complaints of harassment and professional misconduct are currently under review by the Medical and Dental Council, warning that such issues not only harm patient trust but damage the profession’s reputation.
In a candid remark, Dr. Serebour added that some cases go unchallenged as patients attribute misfortunes to external factors rather than unprofessional practices, saying, “In some cases, we are left off the hook simply because victims choose to blame witches and wizards instead of addressing the system.”
The GMA called for urgent reform, emphasizing that restoring professionalism is essential to protecting patients and upholding the standards of healthcare in Ghana.