Health Expert Accuses GMDC of Medical Terrorism

Public Health Expert, Michael Sarfo, has accused the Ghana Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) of  “medical terrorism” in their treatment of Physician Assistants. The GMDC aims to subject their work to supervision by doctors.

In an interview on Nkwantannanso with George Adjei on July 20, he argued that the rigorous training undertaken by Physician Assistants equips them to work independently, making the proposed restrictions unjust.

“Before becoming a Physician Assistant (PA), individuals must undergo specific training, and not all hospitals are qualified to train PAs; they must have consultants. The GMDC has no data to support claims of malpractices among PAs, yet they seek to impose limitations on their practice. This is medical terrorism,” he said.

The Public Health Expert further warned that the prevailing culture of silence poses a significant threat to the well-being of Ghanaians.

“If we are not careful, the culture of silence will kill us. We must fight against institutional bullying. This fight requires the chiefs, especially those in smaller towns, because they work more with PAs. We must come together and fight.”

The Ghana Physician Assistants Association has laid out a roadmap towards a planned industrial action at the end of this month.

The action will include a gradual withdrawal of services across various health facilities, with OPD services nationwide being withdrawn from July 24.

If their concerns remain unaddressed, emergency services will be withdrawn from July 27 to 31, and from August 1, they will completely withdraw their services.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso