The investigative report into the “medical kalabule” controversy, which involves alleged unethical activities and extortion schemes involving the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, has been formally received by the Ministry of Health.
The committee’s conclusions were welcomed by Deputy Minister Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah on behalf of Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister for Health. This was a significant step in reinstating accountability in the country’s healthcare system.
The Committee concluded that by directly taking payment from a patient for a surgical instrument required for an amputation, a medical officer had broken the Ghana Health Service Code of Conduct.
A payment made to a supplier in US dollars that violated Bank of Ghana regulations was also mentioned in the report.
The Committee found more extensive systemic issues impacting the supply of neurosurgical implants and associated consumables in addition to the specific breach.
It stated that the Greater Accra Regional Hospital’s financial limitations have made it difficult for the hospital to store essential implants, which has resulted in circumstances where some patients were requested to buy the supplies directly from private vendors before to surgery.
But after reviewing the material, the Committee came to the conclusion that claims of intentional collusion—also known as “medical kalabule”—between physicians and suppliers could not be proven.
The Committee suggested a number of changes to increase transparency in the health industry and stop similar incidents in the future.
These include making sure neurosurgical procedures and implants are properly documented and catalogued, implementing orientation programs on legal and ethical norms for medical staff, and bolstering hospital complaint handling systems.
It also suggested creating a clear strategy to control intramural practice in public hospitals and setting up a ring-fenced implant revolving fund.
Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, who received the report, praised the Committee for its exhaustive and impartial work and emphasised that the Ministry is still dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and professionalism in Ghana’s health sector.
She gave the public her word that the Ministry will thoroughly examine the results and take the appropriate steps to resolve the issues found.
In order to guarantee that patients continue to get safe, moral, and high-quality healthcare services throughout the nation, the Ministry of Health reiterated its commitment to putting in place the necessary steps to improve governance, procurement procedures, and accountability inside healthcare facilities.
Source: newsthemegh.com