The novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is woefully devastating countries across the globe, of which Ghana has not been spared, as 779 health workers have tested positive for the virus, with nine succumbing to it.
The data was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Joint Health Sector Unions and Professional Associations.
According to the unions, the data informed an emergency meeting held between stakeholders, including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), to discuss the spike in the spread of the virus among health workers.
The meeting was also to discuss the increasing numbers which had a grave tendency of stifling efforts to curtail the spread of the virus.
According to the statement: “As of June 30, 2020, over 779 health workers had contracted the Covid-19 virus in the line of duty, with a total of 9 deaths having occurred so far. A large number of health workers are also currently in isolation, awaiting their test results, after having been exposed to the virus at their places of work.”
Giving the breakdown, the release indicated that 190 members of the GMA (Doctors) had been infected, and 9 have died.
Again, in the line of duty, 410 members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), and its allied associations, have contracted the virus.
156 members of the Health Service Workers’ Union (HSWU) have contracted Covid-19, with three deaths, whilst 23 members of the Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) are positive of the virus, with one death.
The health sector unions blamed the development of what they described as unacceptably high infections among the health workers on inadequate and erratic supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the health workers.
Whilst blaming the cause on lack of disinfecting agents in some facilities, the group also faulted non-adherence to safety protocols at most facilities.
Further, the unions also raised concern about the non-disclosure, if not the concealment of information from health workers by facility managers when their colleagues test positive for the virus.
“The delays in receipt of Covid-19 test results for patients being managed in wards, resulting in increased exposure of health personnel to the virus, lack of designated holding bays for suspected cases in some facilities,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by the President of GMA, Dr Frank Ankobea, President of GRNMA, Mrs Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, General Secretary of HSWU, Mr Reynolds Tenkorang, and Chairman of GHOSPA, Pharmacist Nathan Coompson.
According to them, even the National Covid-19 Response Team is also fraught with lots of challenges, including shortage of PPE for health workers in particular, and periodic shortages of essential drugs for case management.
The unions were worried over the reduced testing capacity in the midst of increasing daily case count, as well as huge delays in getting test results for patients.
They, however, recommended to the government to ensure regular provision of adequate PPE for all health workers at all times.
Government, the release added, should intensify Covid-19 and stigma education among the general public, and use the security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of all safety protocols “without fear or favour.”
“Expand Covid-19 testing centers and their capacity throughout the country, together with readily available test kits to prevent undue delays in obtaining test results. All health facilities must mandatorily create holding bays to detain all patients who are suspected to have contracted Covid-19,” the statement observed.
In other news, the Education Ministry is having hard bout from the Coronavirus which has been termed as a pandemic.
According to the sector Minister, Mathew Opoku-Prempeh, who was discharged this week after being infected by the virus, about 90% of every 50 staff of the ministry tested for the virus was positive.
He gave a chilling experience of the Covid-19 journey, while advising the public to be careful with the plague.
He said on Peace FM yesterday: “I can say 45 out of every 50 of our workers have tested positive for the virus. Since the lockdown, we, at the Ministry of Education, have been working without any break, because, despite the lockdown, we had to put some measures in place.”
He said that it was a second test that came out positive, after the initial turned negative, a revelation which confirms health experts’ position that one could be infected any time.
He then cautioned people to desist from downplaying the existence of the virus, especially to do politics with same.
“This is a deadly disease that I wouldn’t wish for it on anyone, not even my worst enemy. So, when I see people calling it on others in the name of politics, I get baffled,” he noted.
The Manhyia South Legislator continued to “urge us all to protect ourselves. We don’t have to joke about that. Make sure to wear the face mask. If you don’t have anything better to do outside, don’t step out.”
The post 779 health workers contract Covid-19 appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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