US-based Ghanaian medical doctor Arthur Kennedy is calling for fundamental changes to Ghana's healthcare system. He stated that a recent report on the nation's 'no-bed syndrome' did not go far enough. Kennedy believes the problem stems from systemic issues, not just individual staff failures.
Kennedy commended the committee led by Professor Akosa for its work. However, he expressed disappointment with the report's narrow focus. The 'no-bed syndrome,' where patients cannot find hospital beds, has been a problem for many years. Kennedy noted that this issue predates Professor Akosa's time at the Ghana Health Service. He believes blaming individual doctors and nurses is a misdirection.
Kennedy argued that the report should have held higher-level administrators accountable. Successive political leaders are also to blame, he stated. Their policies have perpetuated the 'no-bed syndrome' and the 'cash-and-carry' system. This system requires patients to pay upfront for services, often before treatment. Ghana's National Ambulance Service also needs improvement. Kennedy pointed out its reliance on untrained carriers instead of skilled emergency technicians. He described the system's operation as inefficient and lacking compassion.
Kennedy drew parallels with other countries. He noted that Spain and Portugal faced similar systemic failures. Both political leaders and frontline staff were held accountable there. Kennedy urged the swift implementation of the committee's recommendations. He also called for additional reforms. These include overhauling the national ambulance system. The ambulance service should remove fuel charges. It must also ensure the use of trained personnel. Hospitals need adequate equipment. They must be ready for common emergencies like strokes and heart attacks. All these changes should be part of a new health reform law. Kennedy hopes these reforms will stop Ghanaian leaders from seeking medical care abroad.