The Ministry of Health has received the investigative report into the “medical kalabule” scandal, which involved allegations of unethical practices and extortion at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The committee’s report revealed that a medical officer breached the Ghana Health Service Code of Conduct by directly accepting payment from a patient for a surgical item required for an amputation.

Medical negligence?

“A medical officer violated the Ghana Health Service Code of Conduct by directly accepting money from a patient for a surgical item needed for an amputation,” the report stated.

The investigative team also highlighted systemic challenges affecting the availability of neurosurgical implants and related consumables.

Financial constraints at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, it said, limited the hospital’s ability to stock critical implants, forcing some patients to purchase the items directly from private suppliers before undergoing surgery.

“Financial limitations have led to situations where patients had to buy implants from private suppliers due to stock shortages at the hospital,” the committee report noted.

However, after reviewing all the evidence, the committee concluded that allegations of deliberate collusion between doctors and suppliers, popularly referred to as “medical kalabule”, could not be substantiated.

“After careful examination of the evidence presented, the Committee concluded that allegations of deliberate collusion, commonly referred to as ‘medical kalabule’, between doctors and suppliers could not be substantiated,” the report stated.

To prevent future occurrences, the committee proposed several reforms, including strengthening hospital complaint management systems, introducing orientation programmes on legal and ethical standards for medical personnel, and ensuring proper documentation of neurosurgical procedures and implants.

It also recommended the creation of a ring-fenced implant revolving fund and a clear policy to regulate intramural practice in public hospitals.

“The recommendations aim to enhance transparency and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” the report added.

Medical negligence threatens public confidence in health system - Law lecturer

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, who received the report, commended the committee for its independent and thorough work, assuring the public that the ministry would implement measures to strengthen governance, procurement, and accountability within health facilities.

“The ministry is determined to ensure patients continue to receive safe, ethical, and quality healthcare services across the country,” she said.



MAG/AE

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