“Medical Kalabule”: Doctor Implicated after Alleged Extortion Probe

A medical doctor has been implicated in what has been termed “medical kalabule” or extortion after directly accepting money from a patient for a surgical item needed for an amputation.

This was established by a Committee set up by the Ministry of Health to investigate this and other unethical conduct allegations levelled against staff of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The report submitted to the Ministry on March 16 also cited an improper payment in US dollars to a supplier, breaching Bank of Ghana rules.

Beyond the individual breach, the Committee identified broader systemic challenges affecting the availability of neurosurgical implants and related consumables.

Financial constraints at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, it noted, have limited the facility’s ability to stock critical implants, leading to situations where some patients were asked to purchase the items directly from private suppliers before undergoing surgery.

However, after examining the evidence presented, the Committee concluded that allegations of deliberate collusion, commonly referred to as “medical kalabule”, between doctors and suppliers could not be substantiated.

To prevent future occurrences and strengthen transparency within the health sector, the Committee proposed a range of reforms.

These include strengthening complaint management systems in hospitals, introducing orientation programmes on legal and ethical standards for medical personnel, and ensuring proper documentation and cataloguing of neurosurgical procedures and implants.

It also recommended establishing a ring-fenced implant revolving fund and developing a clear policy to regulate intramural practice in public hospitals.

Receiving the report, the Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, commended the Committee for its thorough and independent work, emphasising that the Ministry remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability and professionalism in Ghana’s health sector.

She assured the public that the Ministry will carefully review the findings and take the necessary actions to address the issues identified.

The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to implementing appropriate measures to strengthen governance, procurement processes and accountability within health facilities, while ensuring that patients continue to receive safe, ethical and quality healthcare services across the country.

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