Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has issued a stern warning to nurses and healthcare workers against unprofessional and rude behaviour toward patients.
Speaking at a cholera sensitization programme at the Winneba Government Hospital on Friday, February 14, the Health Minister voiced concern that such behaviour discourages many individuals, especially the elderly, from seeking medical care, even in critical conditions.
While acknowledging the dedication and compassion of most healthcare professionals, he lamented that a few “bad nuts” tarnish the image of the profession by creating an environment of fear and mistrust.
“We have fantastic and very professional health workers but there are a few bad nuts amongst them, especially the way some of you handle patients. Sometimes you will be surprised to hear that somebody may be sick, especially the aged. If you ask him or her to go to the hospital, he will say the nurse will insult me or shout at me.
“Irrespective of the level of provocation, we expect you to be very professional, it’s an appeal to the few bad nuts that are amongst you. Some of these things I will take it seriously. It doesn’t mean that we are going to come after somebody but it’s important for us to protect our patients and also make them feel comfortable.”
Mr Akandoh stressed the importance of professionalism, urging healthcare workers to remain patient and respectful, even in challenging situations.
The minister also noted that some health facilities across the country have experienced a significant decline in attendance due to the way patients are treated.
“And it is one of the reasons, why sometimes you go to some districts and the attendance or records at the government facility is lower than the private ones. It’s based on how you handle the patients. It’s a fact and we shouldn’t cover it. We must expose it to ensure the right thing is done.”
The minister indicated plans to enforce stricter disciplinary measures for those guilty of misconduct while also committing to improving working conditions to address the challenges faced by nurses.
