Health Ministry orders probe into Ridge Hospital following Fourth Estate report

Fresh questions have been raised about patient care and professionalism at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge, after an investigative report by media outlet The Fourth Estate prompted the Ministry of Health to announce a formal inquiry into the facility.

In a press release issued on Monday, the Ministry said it had taken note of the report, which has gained wide circulation on social media, and described the revelations as serious enough to warrant an independent investigation.

“The Ministry of Health has taken note of an investigative report published by The Fourth Estate media house on the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge,” the statement said.

The Ministry expressed sympathy for patients and families who may have experienced unprofessional conduct in health facilities, noting that such concerns undermine public confidence in the healthcare system. “The Ministry sympathises with patients and relatives who may have been subjected to any form of unprofessional conduct in any health facility across the country,” it said.

Government, the Ministry added, remains focused on improving access to healthcare and reducing the financial and emotional burden on patients. “Government remains committed to reducing the stress and financial burden patients face in accessing healthcare,” the release stated.

However, officials said some of the issues highlighted in the report were troubling. “We are, however, deeply concerned and surprised by some of the revelations contained in the report,” the Ministry said, stressing that the matters raised deserve thorough examination.

Consequently, the Minister for Health is constituting an investigative committee to probe the allegations. The committee is expected to submit its report within fourteen working days.

The Ministry also called on all relevant stakeholders, including The Fourth Estate, to cooperate fully with the inquiry. “The Ministry expects the full cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, including The Fourth Estate, to help unravel the facts and provide additional details necessary to ensure accountability and improve service delivery within our health system,” the statement said.