Coronavirus: GMA death toll now 4; 150 others stricken

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has lost four of its members to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

This was disclosed in a statement by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the GMA.

A statement co-signed by GMA President Dr Frank Ankobea and General Secretary Dr Justice Yankson, said: “The first of our fallen colleague was Prof Jacob Plange-Rhule (Consultant Physician and former Rector Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons) who has, subsequently been buried.”

Specialist Pediatrician and Medical Superintendent at the SDA Hospital, Kwadaso, in the Ashanti Region, Dr Harry Boateng; retired Orthopedic Surgeon Dr Emmanuel Twagireyesu, and Consultant Surgeon at the Trust Hospital in Accra, Dr Richard Kisser all lost their lives to the deadly virus.

The GMA noted: “These fallen heroes have contributed immensely to the medical profession and their untimely demise constitutes a big loss to the fraternity.”

The GMA said, “over 150 medical doctors and dentists have been infected with SARS-COV-2 since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.”

Also, “in view of the unfortunate increasing trend of infections among health workers, all members are encouraged to strictly observe all Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols that we all know very well and stay safe as we battle this pandemic together. Members should consciously ensure their safety at all times in the care of all patients regardless of the point of care.”

The GMA assured “all members that it is working assiduously to ensure the concerns about inadequate PPE, delays in testing and other welfare issues related to COVID-19 are addressed by the government”, adding that the group “will not relent” in its efforts.

“The GMA, together with other health sector unions, will soon come out with detailed statistics on COVID-19 among health workers and the way forward,” the statement added.