Samuel Arthur, health analyst, says clinicians must be held responsible and accountable for medical negligence to help protect Ghana’s health system.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr, Mr Arthur said professional bodies must avoid shielding their members whenever allegations of negligence arise, stressing that accountability is necessary to maintain public trust in the healthcare system.
“It’s something we cannot play with because it concerns the lives of people. When it is accidental; and let’s not forget that some incidents can be accidental; then, as they say, the person carrying the eggs is the one who will eventually crack them. In carrying those eggs, there is a reward you receive. So, if one day, for some reason, you crack the eggs and you need to be punished a little, let’s take it in good faith,” he said.
According to Mr Arthur while some medical errors may be accidental, healthcare professionals must be prepared to accept the consequences when their actions result in harm to patients.
Mr. Arthur said the consequences of medical negligence are significantly different from mistakes in other professions because the loss of a human life cannot be reversed.
“The unfortunate bit is, once there’s negligence, someone bears the pain. The consequence. And in some cases, it is fatal. People lose life that you cannot bring back,” he said.
He compared the situation to other professions where mistakes can be corrected or repaired.
“For the mechanic, he can replace your tire. For the carpenter, he can buy some new plywood and fix it, but when you are misdiagnosed and wrong treatment is given and you die, that is the end of it,” he added.
Mr Samuel Arthur also urged clinicians not to become defensive when concerns about negligence are raised, arguing that such cases should instead be treated as an opportunity to improve the healthcare system.
He further called for patients to be adequately informed about the care they receive, saying effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients can help reduce misunderstandings and disputes.
“We should not get worried because these issues are coming up. It’s a positive sign. But what they need to do is carry your patient along with you,” he said.
Mr Samuel Arthur stressed the need for a critical national conversation on medical negligence, professional accountability and the measures required to prevent avoidable harm to patients.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayeson
