In order to restore integrity within Ghana’s healthcare sector, the investigative committee tasked with probing the “Medical Kalabule” allegations has formally presented its findings to the Minister for Health. The report, delivered by Committee Chairman Dr. Inua Yusuf to Deputy Minister Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, provides a detailed account of unethical practices and systemic vulnerabilities discovered at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The investigation was triggered by a two-part documentary produced by The Fourth Estate, which alleged high-level fraud and the exploitation of patients. Dr. Yusuf, a legal practitioner and pharmacist, emphasized that while the committee sought to verify every claim made in the media, they were also focused on identifying structural measures to move the country’s health system forward.
Analysis of Findings and Ethical Breaches
A central component of the investigation involved the conduct of medical staff and the procurement of surgical consumables. The committee established that Dr. Stephen Kusi of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital violated the Ghana Health Service Code of Conduct by accepting direct payments from a patient for medical supplies. Furthermore, the report confirmed a breach of Bank of Ghana regulations regarding a transaction where a patient’s relative paid for surgical implants in U.S. dollars into a private pharmacy’s account.
Regarding the “prescription scams” alleged in the documentaries, the seven-member committee clarified that what were termed “prescription forms” were actually specialized request forms for implants not stocked by the hospital due to financial constraints.
While the committee noted a routine practice of junior doctors signing in the names of their supervisors, specifically in the case of Dr. Alhassan Andani signing for Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, they found that these actions were often based on professional discretion rather than explicit instructions of misconduct.
However, the lack of formal contractual agreements between the hospital and private suppliers like Axis Pharmacy and Staroid Company was highlighted as a major governance gap.
Recommendations By Committee
To address these failures, the committee has recommended that Dr. Kusi undergo formal disciplinary procedures according to the rules of natural justice. Beyond individual accountability, the report calls for the Ministry of Health to invite relevant state institutions to further investigate illegal foreign currency payments made to private entities.
The most far-reaching recommendations focus on institutionalizing transparency. The committee urged the Ministry to establish a “Ring-Fenced Implant-Revolving Fund” to ensure hospitals can manage and stock surgical accessories internally, thereby ending the reliance on external private vendors that leads to “Medical Kalabule.”
Additionally, the report advocates for a mandatory orientation program for neurosurgeons on legal and ethical procurement, alongside the development of a national policy on intramural practices to ensure uniformity and accountability across all government facilities.
Concluding the presentation, Dr. Yusuf noted that while the documentaries brought long-standing challenges to the fore, the Ministry has seized this moment to address these issues decisively.
Upon receiving the report on behalf of Sector Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Deputy Minister Dr. Grace Ayensu- Danquah expressed gratitude for the committee’s thorough work and pledged that the recommendations would be reviewed to ensure the delivery of total, ethical patient care.
Story by: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
