The management of Wa Municipal Hospital has directed 19 staff members to refund various sums of money allegedly earned illegally from clients.
This decision comes after a six-member disciplinary committee found the workers guilty of engaging in unauthorized sales of non-drug medical consumables, making improper demands, and collecting unauthorized fees at the maternity ward of the hospital.
According to the hospital’s management, the refunds—ranging between GH¢4 and GH¢286—are part of a series of punitive measures imposed by the committee, which was tasked with investigating complaints of extortion, insubordination, and the illegal sale of non-drug consumables.
Sampson Abu, the Administrator of Wa Municipal Hospital, confirmed on Channel One TV that management decided to investigate the staff after receiving numerous complaints about inappropriate behavior.
The hospital had faced significant public criticism for the alleged misconduct of its staff, especially concerning the illegal sale of medical consumables at the maternity ward.
“In our quest to demonstrate commitment to upholding the dignity of both clients and staff, a committee was formed to investigate the issues, and the investigations provided evidence implicating a number of midwives in grave violations,” Mr. Abu explained.
He highlighted that items like surgical gloves, urinary catheters, urine bags, pads, and bed mats were sold by midwives to expectant mothers at the maternity ward without the knowledge of the hospital’s authorities.
Some midwives also admitted to making improper demands and collecting unauthorized fees, actions contrary to the Ghana Health Service’s code of conduct and disciplinary procedures.
Apart from the refunds, Mr. Abu noted that some of the affected staff would face changes in their work schedules or locations, among other disciplinary measures, depending on the severity of their offenses.
He emphasized that all actions taken were in strict accordance with Chapter 8, sub-sections 1 and 4, of the Ghana Health Service code of conduct, which outlines major offenses and penalties.
The management of Wa Municipal Hospital has urged the public to maintain their trust in the facility and report any issues for resolution.
When contacted for their response, some of the affected midwives declined to comment, stating they would meet and respond at a later time.
