Addressing the request for Inquests

Let me begin by stating that I approach this topic with the utmost trepidation. Trepidation because I am about to write an article slightly critical of Ghana's notoriously clannish and prickly Medical Fraternity.

Out there in the Western World, criticism of the Medical Fraternity guarantees the critic the best care in the event that he or she is hospitalized. This is borne out of the omnipresent fear of a trip to the courts to defend a medical malpractice suit. In this part of the world though, criticizing a Medical Practitioner or Judge guarantees that they will show you where power lies, when your life falls into their hands. So being the Ghanaman that I am, I ask myself if it is wise, publishing my thoughts in this article? One day, my life could be in the hands of some Doctor who had read or heard about this article? But I'll take the risk of penning this article rather than maintain what my dear sister Eurika calls the hypocrisy of silence.

Interesting times have indeed been unleashed on us. Todays Daily Graphic has an article  in which the Ghana Medical Association has appealed for an inquest into the death of the former President of Ghana. The reasons they adduce for this appeal are:

1. an inquest will shape policy on the medical management of our Presidents
2. an inquest will establish the actual medical cause of death of the immediate past President at the 37 Military Hospital

The sheer irony. Ghanaian Doctors calling for an inquest. But one thing President Mills taught me was to address issues and not personalities so I will exercise Mill'sean restraint and carefully select my focus and my words.

Let me take a deep breath here and try . . . . . . . many needless deaths occur in Ghana's hospitals. I have always maintained that these deaths take place because those under whose watch, these deaths occur, will simply never be held accountable. If Medical staff had to painstakingly account for every death under their watch, such deaths would be minimized.

I don't want to belabor the point. I whole heartedly welcome the call by the Ghana Medical Association for an inquest. However I respectfully submit that the focus should not be restricted to the Presidents, but to EVERY SINGLE DEATH in every single medical facility in Ghana. Granted it might not be practical to have a mandatory inquest for every death but under certain circumstances or upon request by the family of the deceased, an inquest should be held to determine:

• the sequence of events leading to the deceased taking ill
• diagnoses
• treatments,
• medication and
• doses administered
• records
• actions

The inquests in my humble opinion will put a microscope on the activities of the medical personnel in charge. If their conduct or professionalism is found wanting in any way or they are found culpable for the death of those under their care, then naturally appropriate sanctions should follow. When Doctors witness the awkward spectacle of fellow Doctors being grilled at an inquest, and having to explain certain actions, inactions or choice of medication, they will attach a renewed sense of discipline and professionalism into their daily chores.

Once an example is made of a few "pioneers", the rest will quickly fall in line and attack their responsibilities with a lot more gusto and professionalism than is the case in Ghana right now.

In conclusion, the Ghana Medical Association should call for an inquest into every single questionable Ghanaian death. This should have the effect of "shaping policy on the medical management of each and every Ghanaian citizen". Every Ghanaian citizen means as much to his family, as the President meant to most Ghanaians and the GMA.

My humble tuppence dear GMA. Dis one no eye red I beg