The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HEFRA) has launched investigations into the death of 31-year-old Theresa Boakye Dapaah after a caesarean section at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital.
The investigation follows allegations of negligence made by her husband, Daniel Ofori-Sarpong, who has accused the hospital and its medical staff of failing in their duty of care.
HEFRA CEO, Dr. Winfred Korletey Baah, said the agency has engaged the hospital’s management and is awaiting a formal report on the circumstances surrounding the death.
“So, in this case, and I’ve talked to the CEO for Ridge Hospital, we have started investigations, and they will send a report to us very soon,” Dr. Baah said.
He said any health professional found to have breached their duty of care could face sanctions, while the facility could also be sanctioned if systemic failures are identified.
“All those who are found to have breached their duty of care… to have breached their duty of care, we are going to sanction them. And the facility, if there are systemic lapses, we will sanction the facility,” he stated.
Dr. Baah added that cases involving doctors would be referred to the Medical and Dental Council, while nurses found culpable would be referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The investigation will also assess broader institutional weaknesses, including the handling of complex cases and the availability and quality of medical supplies.
Where systemic problems are found, HEFRA may order corrective measures and require evidence that they have been implemented.
HEFRA says it will rely on the investigation’s findings before deciding on further action, with the broader goal of addressing weaknesses in the health system and preventing similar incidents.
