The Health Services Workers Union (HSWU) has urged the public to refrain from what it describes as growing attacks and “blanket accusations” against healthcare professionals, following two controversial incidents that have stirred national debate.
At a press conference on February 26, the Union’s General Secretary, Mr Franklyn Owusu Ansah, cautioned Ghanaians against rushing to judgment in the wake of a fatal hit-and-run case and the alleged baby theft at the Mamprobi Polyclinic.
The public backlash intensified after two medical doctors and two nurses at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital were interdicted over alleged medical negligence. The sanctions followed reports that a hit-and-run victim died due to a lack of timely medical attention — a development that triggered anger, with some accusing health workers of deliberately allowing the patient to die.
However, the Union insists such claims are premature.
“All that we are saying is that when matters like this happen, we should not jump to hasty conclusions,” Mr. Owusu Ansah stated. “If issues like this arise, we want the authorities to take their time to properly investigate before they begin to prescribe punishment.”
He argued that systemic challenges within health facilities must be carefully examined, pointing out that some institutions continue to operate despite infrastructural and resource constraints.
“It is demoralising and damaging to assert that professionals are involved in negligence without proof,” he said. “We must distinguish between professional misconduct, if proven, and institutional failures or resource constraints that may affect clinical outcomes beyond human control.”
The Union is calling for swift, transparent investigations into both the hit-and-run incident and the alleged baby theft, stressing that the integrity of health professionals and the broader healthcare system must be safeguarded.
Meanwhile, HSWU says it is rolling out measures to address systemic challenges confronting its members.
Chairman of the HSWU, Dr Loyd Baffoe, announced the establishment of a welfare and development fund built on three core pillars.
“We have set up a fund anchored on welfare support to provide structured financial assistance to members in distress, including bereavement support,” Dr. Baffoe explained. “The second pillar focuses on empowerment and development — supporting capacity building, education and professional advancement — while also strengthening the Union’s collective bargaining power,” he said.
“The fund will render proper accounts to ensure accountability and transparency,” he said. “I believe issues concerning salary advancement and access to loans will be better addressed through this initiative.”
The Union maintains that while accountability remains essential, protecting the dignity, morale and safety of healthcare workers is equally critical to sustaining quality healthcare delivery.
In a related development, Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), underscored the need for stronger government commitment to improving conditions of service for health professionals.
By Daniel Opoku
