The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has voiced grave concerns over instances of sexual harassment in the medical field as well as drug and alcohol abuse.
At the recent 66th Annual General Conference of the GMA in Ho, the association’s president, Dr. Frank Serebour, addressed these concerns and bemoaned the rise in cases of unethical behavior among medical professionals.
He called attention to concerning behaviors such persistent tardiness, absenteeism, inadequate documentation, and a lack of dedication to work-related responsibilities.
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Some members “walk into the hospitals at 9 am, and by 12 pm, they are walking out,” he observed. They claim to be finished when you ask, yet they still want payment for putting in at least eight hours a day at work.
The President of GMA also said that some employees in the health sector practice “alcoholism, drug misuse, and abuse,” stressing that these behaviors have an impact on their personal lives as well as their ability to execute their jobs.
Dr. Serebour further disclosed that the Medical and Dental Council is now investigating a number of cases in which association members have been accused in sexual harassment. Lawsuits pertaining to these problems are still being brought against healthcare facilities.
“Indeed, sometimes we are let off the hook simply because the victims of our own professionalism choose to blame the witches and wizards for their predicament, instead of taking on the system.”
Restoring professionalism and public trust among health workers requires addressing problems including drug and alcohol addiction, unethical behavior, and sexual harassment.
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Since these issues have an impact on patient care and the industry’s reputation, the GMA urges stricter accountability guidelines and a renewed dedication to moral principles to guarantee that healthcare professionals carry out their duties to the highest possible standards.
