Probe into Death of Man Denied Hospital Bed Underway

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has begun investigations into reports of Anthony Opoku-Acheampon, the 70-year-old man who died in his car after being turned away by seven hospitals due to lack of beds.

Director General of the GHS, Dr Nsiah Asare, has expressed concern over the development adding that, “it should not have happened.”

“All hospitals in this country are acute hospitals and acute hospital means that emergency is an emergency; so, I’ve called the Regional Director of Health Services to find out what happened and all the various hospitals which were involved to give us an account of it…and ensure that this does not happen again,” he told Accra-based Class FM.

Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, Robert Cudjoe also says his ministry is looking into the matter and would crack the whip where necessary.

Speaking on Joy FM, yesterday, Mr Cudjoe lamented the lack of adequate equipment at the hospitals across the country, saying that, it is undeniable, “…but in emergency situations, we can do more.”

According to him, the deceased could have been given some first aid which could have stabilised him and perhaps saved his life.

Mr Cudjoe was however quick to add that, GHS has a code for hospitals to handle emergency at all times.

It is a formal directive,” he noted.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]