Probe allegations of maladministration at Bolgatanga Regional Hospital-NGOs

Bolgatanga, Oct 25, GNA-The Ghana Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Health on Friday asked for a probe into allegations of maladministration at the Bolgatanga Hospial. At a Press Conference held in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, they called on the Regional Minister, Mr. Mark Woyongo, to set up an independent committee to investigate into the alleged maladministration at the Bolgatanga Hospital.

In a statement read by the Regional Chairman of the Coalition, Mr. Jonathan Adabre, the group expressed concern about the recent media allegations of managerial and leadership ineptness of the Medical Director of the Bolgatanga Regional hospital, Dr Aduko Amiah and his role in the current precarious doctor and nursing staff situation at the facility. According to the statement, it had also been alleged that Dr. Amiah's attitude, management and leadership style had been anything but uncooperative, brash and disrespectful to his colleagues and other junior staff.

The Coalition indicated that it deemed the allegation as very serious to warrant the concern and action of the political leadership in the Region especially when the situation linked to the health of citizens. It noted that the Region was in severe distress in terms of health personnel, health facilities, equipment, accommodation for staff, consumables among others and cited the 2008 Regional Health Report as indicating that the region was in deficit of 32 health facilities whiles the present ones lacked enough room for optimum service.

It also indicated that out of the minimum 44 clinical doctors required to guarantee minimal quality health care, only 22 were at post and added that according to the regional health report of 2008, 15 specialists are required to provide maximum health care and not 3 at the present. It noted that because of the myriad problem of the hospital, many people especially, women and children were dying of treatable diseases. The statement therefore called on the Regional Minister to as a matter of urgent set up an independent committee to investigate the allegations levelled against the Medical Doctor of the Regional Hospital. It noted that the terms of references of the Committee should cover issues such as why doctors and other health professionals refuse posting to the region or vacate post to serve other regions.

It should also delve into steps the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Regional Health Directorate (RHD) had instituted to address the myriads problems facing the health sector in the Region and why some health projects have been abandoned. The Coalition of NGOs in Health however commended all doctors, nurses, midwives and health workers who have sacrificed and served the region over the years without vacating their post. 25 Oct.09