The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akando, has issued a strong warning to nurses and other healthcare workers who mistreat patients, stressing that unprofessional conduct discourages people from seeking medical care.
Speaking at a cholera sensitisation programme at the Winneba Government Hospital, the minister acknowledged the dedication of many healthcare workers but noted that a few “bad nuts” were tarnishing the profession’s image.
“We have fantastic and very professional health workers, but there are a few bad nuts amongst them, especially in how some of you handle patients,” he said. “Sometimes, you will be surprised to hear that someone may be sick—especially the aged—and if you ask them to go to the hospital, they will say, ‘the nurse will insult me or shout at me.’”
Mr. Akando stressed the importance of professionalism, urging health workers to remain courteous even when provoked. He warned that such behaviour would no longer be overlooked.
“Irrespective of the level of provocation, we expect you to be very professional. This is an appeal to the few bad nuts among you. Some of these things I will take seriously. It doesn’t mean we are going to come after someone, but it’s important for us to protect our patients and make them feel comfortable,” he added.
The minister also pointed out that poor patient treatment is driving people away from public health facilities.
“And it is one of the reasons why, sometimes, in some districts, attendance at government facilities is lower than at private ones. It’s based on how you handle patients. It’s a fact, and we shouldn’t cover it. We must expose it to ensure the right thing is done.”
He hinted at stricter disciplinary actions for misconduct while assuring healthcare workers that efforts were being made to improve their working conditions to address some of their frustrations.
