Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has publicly addressed a critical issue affecting the nation’s healthcare system: the unprofessional and rude behavior of some nurses and healthcare workers toward patients. Speaking at a cholera sensitization program at the Winneba Government Hospital, the minister expressed his deep concern about the detrimental impact of such conduct on healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. He highlighted the unfortunate reality that fear of mistreatment and disrespect prevents many individuals from seeking necessary medical attention, even in life-threatening situations. This avoidance, he emphasized, poses a significant threat to public health and undermines the efforts of dedicated healthcare professionals.
While acknowledging the tireless dedication and compassion exhibited by the majority of healthcare workers, Minister Akandoh stressed the disproportionate damage caused by a small minority of “bad nuts” who tarnish the reputation of the entire profession. He drew attention to anecdotes of individuals refusing medical care due to anticipated verbal abuse or mistreatment from nurses, illustrating the pervasive nature of this perception. This fear, he argued, creates an environment of mistrust and anxiety, eroding the essential doctor-patient relationship and hindering effective healthcare delivery. He called upon healthcare workers to recognize the gravity of their responsibility in providing not just medical treatment, but also emotional support and reassurance to patients, especially those already grappling with illness and vulnerability.
The Minister reiterated that professionalism in healthcare transcends personal feelings and individual challenges. He appealed to healthcare workers to exercise patience, empathy, and respect in all patient interactions, regardless of the level of provocation or stress they might be experiencing. He underlined that the core principle of healthcare is to provide comfort and care, and that verbal abuse or disrespectful behavior is unequivocally unacceptable. While acknowledging that disciplinary measures may be necessary in certain cases, the Minister emphasized that his primary goal is to foster a positive and supportive environment that enables healthcare professionals to deliver quality care without compromising their own well-being.
Minister Akandoh further linked the issue of unprofessional conduct to the declining patient attendance rates observed in some government health facilities. He pointed out the stark contrast between the attendance figures of government and private healthcare facilities, attributing this disparity, in part, to the perceived difference in patient treatment. He argued that the fear of mistreatment and disrespect steers patients towards private facilities, even when government facilities offer potentially more affordable or accessible services. This trend, he emphasized, underscores the urgent need to address the issue of unprofessional conduct and restore public trust in government-run healthcare institutions. He called for open acknowledgment of this problem within the healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in driving positive change.
The Minister’s address signaled a commitment to addressing the root causes of this problem, recognizing that both patient care and healthcare worker well-being are interconnected. He indicated plans to implement stricter disciplinary procedures for those found guilty of misconduct, ensuring that such behavior is not tolerated within the healthcare system. Simultaneously, he pledged to focus on improving the working conditions of nurses and other healthcare professionals, acknowledging that factors like workload, stress, and resource limitations can contribute to negative interactions with patients. He stressed the importance of creating a supportive and conducive work environment that empowers healthcare workers to perform their duties with professionalism and compassion.
In essence, Minister Akandoh’s message was a call for a cultural shift within the healthcare system. He emphasized that patient care is not merely about administering medical treatments; it’s about treating individuals with dignity, respect, and empathy. He called for a collective effort to eradicate unprofessional conduct, improve working conditions, and restore public trust in government healthcare facilities. This multi-faceted approach, he asserted, is crucial for ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare without fear of judgment or mistreatment, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more equitable society.
