KEY POINTS
- The GMA warns that drug and alcohol abuse endangers patients.
- Sexual misconduct cases involving doctors are under investigation.
- Unprofessional conduct fuels lawsuits and erodes healthcare trust.
Alcohol addiction, drug abuse, and sexual misconduct among some of its members have sparked grave concerns from the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), which claims that these practices endanger patient safety and the profession’s reputation.
GMA raises alarm over substance abuse in healthcare
Dr. Frank Serebour, the president of the GMA, pointed out during the organization’s annual general meeting that some medical professionals carry on with their daily work despite obstacles that may affect their capacity to deliver safe and efficient care. According to MyJoyOnline, the GMA is currently facing numerous lawsuits over claims of medical negligence and professional misconduct, he added, highlighting the urgent need for action. He said that such behaviour has put the group under heightened scrutiny.
As Dr. Serebour emphasised, “We have some health personnel involved in alcoholism and drug abuse, which severely impacts their quality of life and, ultimately, the care they provide to patients.” These problems undermine the degree of faith that people have in medical experts.
The Medical and Dental Council is still reviewing serious accusations, Dr. Serebour added, citing incidents of sexual harassment by medical staff. “The increasing volume of reports has raised public concerns and thrown a shadow over the profession,” he stated. Speaking about the growing number of lawsuits against healthcare facilities, the president of GMA expressed annoyance at the damage these cases have to the industry’s standing.
Unprofessional practices harm patient safety, public trust
Dr. Serebour brought up cultural aspects that may obstruct responsibility when talking about issues facing the healthcare sector. “In certain instances, victims of our lack of professionalism choose to place the blame on supernatural beings—like witches or wizards—rather than holding the healthcare system responsible, which spares us from the consequences of our unprofessional behaviour,” he stated.
Various unprofessional behaviours, including persistent tardiness, absenteeism, and insufficient work hours, were also voiced by Dr. Serebour. He wondered if there was a drop in professionalism in the health industry or if some medical professionals were keeping their promises to patients and to the profession’s standards. “Is there a disproportionate emphasis on greed and selfishness?” he inquired, alluding to situations in which workers arrive late or depart early but still demand full pay.
In closing, the president of GMA urged members to consider these concerns and strive for greater standards as the organisation works to rebuild public trust in healthcare services nationwide.
