Health Professionals Must Show Greater Professionalism — Abass Nurudeen

Chief Executive Officer of the Social Investment Fund, Abass Nurudeen, has called on healthcare professionals in Ghana to uphold high standards of professionalism and compassion while government continues efforts to improve the country’s healthcare system.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Mr. Nurudeen expressed concern about what he described as poor attitudes of some health workers toward patients.

“Inasmuch as we continue to fix our healthcare system, our nurses and doctors must remain professional in order to save lives,” he stated.

He said beyond infrastructural and logistical challenges, the conduct of some healthcare personnel remains a major concern.

“Generally, I have a problem with the attitudes of some health professionals toward sick people when they come to the hospital,” he said.

According to him, many patients, especially the poor, are not treated with the dignity and urgency they deserve.

“There is little regard for human life in some of our hospitals. Aside from the challenges with facilities and equipment, the attitudes of some health professionals toward patients, particularly poor people, are appalling,” he lamented.

Mr. Nurudeen also referenced the reported death of Charles Amissah, which has sparked public concern over alleged negligence within the health system.

He disclosed that Agyeman Badu Akosa and a committee set up to investigate the matter would ensure accountability where necessary.

“Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, together with his committee, will implement the recommendations and sanction those found culpable because there are laws in this country,” he said.

While acknowledging that shortages of logistics and equipment may contribute to challenges within the sector, he stressed that competence and professionalism must not be compromised.

“Inasmuch as logistics may be a challenge, medical competence must equally be valued,” he added.

Mr. Nurudeen concluded by reminding healthcare workers of the responsibility that comes with their profession.

“No one was forced to become a health practitioner, so those in the profession must live up to the expectations and responsibilities that come with saving lives,” he stated.