Coronavirus: GMA fears For Frontline Health Workers as Three Top Doctors Die

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) have expressed worry in the country’s strategy for combating the COVID-19, as healthcare workers continue to fall to the disease.

According to the GMA, the recent spike in cases is burdening health workers, putting them at risk of contracting the disease.

 “The increasing numbers mean our members are being overstretched  to provide the needed healthcare services and, unfortunately, some are even paying the heavy price.”

The General Secretary of the GMA, Dr Titus Beyuo, in an interview with the Daily Graphic, said it was important to review the strategy to manage the pandemic in the country to ensure that, particularly, doctors were spared the pain of having to work in fear.

He was reacting to the death of a Consultant Surgeon, Dr Richard Kisser, of the Trust Hospital who reportedly died of COVID-19 last Thursday.

Already, in June, the Medical Superintendent of the Kwadaso SDA Hospital in Kumasi Dr Harry Owusu Boateng died after contracting the virus.

Also in April, Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule, the Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, also died of Covid-19 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).

The GMA says issues regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for health workers, and the country’s approach to combatting the virulent disease has to be resolved.

“We must guide us to rethink our strategy in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic before it completely gets out of hand.

“Also, the issues of shortage of PPE is real and it has to be addressed to ensure that all staff in the frontline of the battle will feel safe and confident going about their duties,” Chairman of the Greater Accra GMA, Dr Ernest Yorke, said.