Infectious Disease Centres Needed ― GMA

In response to the swelling health concerns in some senior high schools, as lives were lost and many others hospitalised, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on government to initiate plans for two Infectious Disease Centres.

In a release signed by the President of the Association, Dr Frank Ankobea, the centres would aid in protecting public health and safety through the control and prevention of diseases.

“We reiterate our previous call to government for the setting up of at least two national Infectious disease centres―one in the southern sector and the other in the northern sector to facilitate prompt diagnosis, service delivery, research and teaching,” the statement read.

Highlighting oversights that may have stemmed from the unfortunate event, the association expressed its displeasure at the way President Nana Akufo-Addo and many others were put at risk of swine flu after the outbreak at the Kumasi Academy (KUMACA).

The GMA statement said, “We condemn the manner in which the life of the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo and other citizens, were endangered by their visit to the school without the necessary measures being instituted.

It further emphasised that “due diligence should be done at all times including consultations with all needed professionals in subsequent events of this nature to forestall any future occurrence.”

The association in humility asked that politician and media be circumspect in the handling of technical issues and allow professionals do the interpretation of technicalities in order to allay fears.

“The communication of conflicting positions during such emergencies fuels panic and unnecessary anxiety in the public and this hampers scientific work,” the GMA noted.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]