GMA laments increase in alcoholism and drug abuse among members

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has voiced serious concerns about situations of sexual misbehavior, drug abuse, and alcohol usage among certain medical practitioners, cautioning that these behaviors jeopardize patient care.

At the GMA’s annual general meeting, Association President Dr. Frank Serebour stressed that physicians who are impacted by these problems continue to practice, endangering patient safety.

He emphasized the need to solve these issues immediately by pointing out that the Association is now dealing with a number of cases pertaining to alleged medical and professional malpractice.

“We have some health personnel involved in alcoholism and drug abuse, which impacts their quality of life,” “These problems can affect professional behavior and decision-making,” Dr. Serebour said.

Additionally, he disclosed that numerous complaints are being reviewed by the Medical and Dental Council regarding severe instances of sexual harassment involving healthcare professionals.

Concerning the increasing number of lawsuits against healthcare facilities, Dr. Serebour cautioned that the results frequently reflect poorly on the medical profession.

“In some cases, we are let off the hook simply because the victims of our unprofessionalism choose to blame witches and wizards instead of holding the system accountable,” he said.

He also expressed worries about the lack of professionalism in the health sector by criticizing unprofessional behaviors including persistent tardiness, absenteeism, and inadequate work hours.

Does greed and selfishness receive too much attention?

Some employees expect to be paid for the entire day, so they arrive at 9:00 a.m. and depart by noon,” he said.

In order to rebuild confidence and maintain excellent standards of treatment for patients throughout Ghana, the president of GMA calls for change and increased accountability in the health system.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com