Health Authorities probes allegations of negligence

The Ministry of Health has ordered an investigation into claims by a patient that the negligence of nurses during her attendance at ante-natal clinic at Osu Maternity Home made her lost her baby.

Madam Agnes Mensah, a resident of La in Accra, in a petition to President John Agyekum Kufuor with copy to the Ministry of Health, said she also nearly lost her life because of the negligence.

"The Ministry of Health has asked the Regional Health Administration and the Sub-Metro Health Administration to investigate the report," Mr Ken Anku, Public Relations Officer of the MOH, is reported by the Ghana News Agency as saying on Monday. He said the Committee was expected to submit its report on Friday.

In a letter to President Kufuor, Madam Mensah wrote, "it is my deepest regret to inform you about the unprofessional attitude and negligence of nurses of the Osu Maternity Home, which caused the death of my baby and the near loss of my life.

"Sir, after all the ups and downs of pregnancy, the irresponsibility, negligence and unprofessional nurses ... have made all my effort futile. I have lost my baby and I am also suffering from wounds of the operation. I can no longer work the way I used to....."

Giving the background, Madam Mensah said she reported to the clinic in her ninth month for a check-up and was told to return anytime she felt labour pains.

She said on December 29, 2001, she experienced some discharge and after examination at the clinic, some drugs were prescribe for her and told to report back anytime she felt pains.

"I did not feel pains but I was still discharging and the baby too was not kicking. I reported the following day. I met two nurses and then complained to one of them. She did not mind me and asked me to go home," Madam Mensah said.

She added that after a further follow-up at the clinic with various complaints including dizziness and swollen feet. She said a Good Samaritan finally rushed her to the Ridge Hospital.

"On reaching the Ridge Hospital, my blood pressure was high and the doctors realised my critical situation and had to operate on me immediately... Unfortunately, I was told later that I had lost my baby."

Madam Mensah is also seeking redress from the Attorney -General's Department and the Commissioner of Human Rights and Administrative Justice.

GNA went to the Osu Maternity Home to talk to the officials but both the medical assistant in charge of the clinic and the matron did not want to comment saying they were waiting for instructions from the Ministry of Health.