GMA Urges Media to Be Circumspect

The President of Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Jacob Plange-Rhule has appealed to the media to be circumspect in their reportage on heath issues. He said the media should always try to ascertain the veracity of information to avoid misinforming and creating undue panic among the public.

Dr. Plange-Rhule read this from a communiqu? issued at the end of the 44th General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association at a press conference in National Museum Conference Hall in Accra over the weekend.

He said the media should be aware of the consequences of some of the drugs they advertise on the health of those who take them without a doctor's prescription. Some media houses especially the FM stations are advertising drugs and expounding their multiple curing efficacy instead of verifying the authenticity from the GMA or Food and Drugs Board.

Dr. Plange-Rhule said the government should take immediate steps to conclude negotiations on the remuneration and conditions of service for health professionals. "Even while we are still negotiating, the brain drain among health workers continues unabated. About 2000 nurses have left the country within fourteen weeks of negotiation," he said.

Dr. Plange-Rhule said, "GMA strongly associates ourselves with the campaign against indiscipline in Ghanaian society initiated by the Vice President." There is indiscipline everywhere and especially indisciplined drivers on our road whose behaviour is causing injuries and deaths. He called for stiffer punishment for motor traffic offences.

The communiqu? expressed concern that the Health Service had not yet been declared an "Essential Service" and that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Teaching Hospitals Board Act 525 of 1996 were still not backed by a Legislative Instrument (LI).

It therefore urged the government to pass the necessary LI on the GHS and Teaching Hospital Boards and to declare health an "Essential Service". Parliament was asked to pass the Bill establishing the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ghana before it goes on recess.

Dr. Plange-Rhule said GMA has adopted "Guiding Ethical Principles" to guide all its members in their practice.