Wa Municipal Hospital orders 19 midwives to refund monies extorted from patients

Nineteen (19) midwives at the Wa Municipal Hospital have been ordered to reimburse patients following an investigation that revealed they engaged in financial misconduct.

According to multiple reports, a six-member disciplinary committee concluded a probe into complaints of extortion lodged by patients who alleged they were pressured into making unauthorized payments.

The investigation unearthed a pattern of improper practices, including:

• Indiscriminate sale of non-drug medical supplies: The midwives were found to be selling essential supplies like surgical gloves, urinary catheters, urine bags, sanitary pads, and even bed mats to patients in the maternity ward, often without the hospital’s knowledge.
• Unlawful fee collection: The committee determined that the midwives were collecting unauthorized fees from patients, exceeding established hospital charges.
• Improper demands: Some midwives reportedly made inappropriate demands for additional payments from patients.

These practices violate the Ghana Health Service’s code of conduct and disciplinary procedures.

According to Sampson Abu, the Administrator of Wa Municipal Hospital, the investigation was prompted by a surge in public criticism regarding the midwives’ conduct. Complaints centred around unprofessional behaviour towards patients, with the illegal sale of non-drug medical supplies being a particularly concerning issue.

“The hospital’s administration has recently received significant public criticism for its awful staff conduct towards customers,” Mr. Abu said in a statement published on Pulse Ghana.

He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to upholding patient and staff dignity and explained the formation of the investigative committee.

The committee’s findings resulted in the directive for the midwives to refund patients, with amounts ranging from GH¢4 to GH¢286. These reimbursements are part of a series of disciplinary measures aimed at deterring future misconduct, according to the hospital.

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