The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) is demanding the swift reinstatement of Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), asserting that the order for his suspension is unwarranted and lacks justification.
This decision was made by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association after an emergency meeting convened on Saturday, June 6, to discuss a directive issued on June 5 by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, which instructed the KATH Board to suspend the hospital’s CEO.
In a statement released on June 6 and signed by GMA President, Prof. Dr. (Med) Ernest Yorke, and General Secretary, Dr. (Dent) Richard Selormey, the Association supported the actions taken by KATH management during the recent congestion crisis at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre.
The GMA contended that the measures enacted by management adhered to internationally recognized standards of patient safety and healthcare administration.
“The actions taken by the management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) was the right and proper professional and administrative decision in line with best practice in patient safety and responsible healthcare leadership across the world.”
The Association dismissed claims that the hospital had neglected patients or ignored directives from President John Dramani Mahama. Instead, it maintained that the temporary redirection of patients was a necessary measure to ensure safe and timely medical care.
“The actions taken did not turn away patients to their fate or flout the President’s directive but rather redirected patients and ensured they received safe and timely care at nearby hospitals with support from specialists from KATH”.
The Association further indicated that the intervention, which involved collaboration between the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, the Regional Coordinating Council, various health facilities and healthcare workers in the region, successfully reduced pressure on the emergency unit.
Find the statement below.
