GMDC Must Bow Down in Shame, Says Health Expert
Public Health Expert, Mr. Michael Sarfo, has strongly criticized the Ghana Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), stating that they should feel ashamed for requiring physician assistants to be supervised by doctors.
According to him, physician assistants are fully trained by Ghana Medical Association President Dr. Siriboe and consultant specialists to provide proper healthcare at various health centers.
“If they claim physician assistants can’t prescribe drugs, then GMDC is a failure because these physician assistants are accredited by the GMDC.”
During an interview on Nkwantannanso with George Adjei on July 20, discussing the nationwide strike action of physician assistants, he expressed concern that the actions of the GMDC will seriously impact Ghanaian healthcare if not addressed promptly.
“The culture of silence in institutions will cause more casualties if not addressed,” he said.
Mr. Michael Sarfo strongly condemned the consistent threats, undermining, and disrespect shown by the Ghana Medical and Dental Council against physician assistants’ duties, labelling it as “medical terrorism.”
He urged all stakeholders to come together and provide answers, as this is a public health emergency that requires rapid solutions to address the challenges.
The Ghana Physician Assistants Association has outlined a roadmap for a planned industrial action at the end of this month.
The action will involve a gradual withdrawal of services from various health facilities, with OPD services nationwide being withdrawn from July 24.
If their concerns are not addressed, emergency services will be withdrawn from July 27 to 31, and from August 1, they will completely withdraw their services.
Story By Barbara Amoah
