Accra, Ghana – An investigative committee has confirmed that Dr. Stephen Marboah Kusi of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH) violated the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Code of Conduct by accepting direct payments from a patient for giggli saws used in an amputation procedure. The committee was tasked with probing allegations raised in a special report by The Fourth Estate, which highlighted troubling practices in the neurosurgery unit of GARH.
Background:
The committee, appointed by the Ministry of Health, investigated claims of unethical medical practices, including financial irregularities and misuse of medical supply protocols at GARH. The inquiry followed revelations that patients were being directed to purchase implants and other surgical materials from private suppliers due to shortages at the hospital.
Key Outcomes of the Probe:
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Direct Payment Violation: Dr. Kusi took money directly from a patient, breaching GHS and other professional codes of conduct.
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Supplier Agreements Lacking: GARH had no formal contracts with Axis Pharmacy or Staraid Company, though informal working relationships existed.
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Foreign Currency Transactions: Payments in US dollars for implants and accessories were made into a private account, violating Bank of Ghana rules.
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Resident Doctor Practices: Signing of request forms by resident doctors on behalf of consultants was deemed routine professional discretion; no directives were given for misuse of specialized forms.
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Form Usage: The Axis Pharmacy “Specialised Request Form” was used due to unavailability of official hospital forms; the practice stopped after management intervention.
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Procurement Limitations: GARH did not stock neurosurgical implants due to financial constraints, necessitating patient purchases from private facilities.
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Unsubstantiated Allegations: Claims of collusion or diversion of services by staff could not be confirmed due to insufficient evidence.
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Patient Care Maintained: Patients who purchased implants privately still received full surgical and post-operative care at GARH.
