Reforming Ghana’s Health System: Patients Urged to Stand Up Against Medical Negligence
Empowering Patients to Protect Their Rights and Address Medical Malpractice
- Patients must report medical negligence to ensure accountability and prevent further harm
- Writing a formal letter to the hospital can be a powerful way to address issues
- Empowering patients to speak up is critical in reducing unnecessary deaths
Kwame Brobbey Appiah, Executive Secretary of the Advocacy for Medical Malpractice (AMMV), has called on patients to assert their rights and speak out against medical negligence in hospitals.
In an appearance on the Lawson TV/Radio Ghana Se Sen Morning Show with Kwame Tanko, he explained that medical negligence occurs when healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or hospitals, fail to meet the expected standard of care, leading to harm or injury to the patient.
He highlighted that negligence could involve mistakes in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or failure to take necessary precautions, stressing that even minor errors can have serious consequences for patients.
Mr. Brobbey Appiah emphasized that to prove medical negligence, there must be an injury resulting from the healthcare provider’s actions or a breach of the protocols intended to treat the patient.
He urged patients to take action, saying, “It’s not about waiting for someone to die and then letting it go. If you suffer an injury, notify the healthcare facility. I always recommend writing a letter to the hospital, as some institutions can be egoistic, and addressing these issues is crucial.”
Mr. Brobbey Appiah also pointed out the high number of avoidable deaths, stating, “Too many people are dying unnecessarily, so it’s essential to empower patients to speak out.”
