The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has recently brought attention to a concerning issue within the healthcare sector - the increasing cases of alcohol misuse, drug abuse, and incidents of sexual misconduct among healthcare workers. These behaviors have been flagged as severe compromises to patient care and professionalism in the health sector.
During the GMA’s annual general meeting, President Dr. Frank Serebour shed light on these troubling trends, emphasizing that despite these behaviors compromising their ability to provide safe and attentive care, affected health professionals continue to interact with patients on a daily basis.
Dr. Serebour expressed his frustration over what he perceives as a decline in professionalism and a growing complacency within the healthcare sector. He highlighted issues such as lateness to duty, absenteeism, poor documentation, and a lack of dedication to employers as indicators of this decline.
One particularly troubling pattern that Dr. Serebour pointed out is the incomplete workday of some healthcare workers. He mentioned instances where individuals would leave their duties by noon, expecting full payment for an eight-hour workday.
The impact of substance abuse within the sector was also stressed by the GMA president. He highlighted cases of health workers misusing alcohol and drugs, which inevitably affects the quality of care provided to patients. Furthermore, Dr. Serebour drew attention to reported cases of sexual harassment perpetrated by health workers, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and discipline within the health sector.
In light of these issues, Dr. Serebour called for a renewed commitment to patient care, ethical standards, and rigorous self-regulation among healthcare providers. He emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns and implementing measures to uphold the integrity and professionalism of the healthcare sector.
It is evident that addressing these challenges is crucial in ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services. The GMA’s stance on this matter serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to work towards fostering a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and unwavering dedication to patient care within the healthcare profession.
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