A medical doctor identified only as Dr. Chuku at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua was on Friday morning assaulted by a man believed to be in his 30s, moments after the death of his father at the facility’s surgical ward.
According to hospital officials, the deceased, who had been on admission, reportedly suffered a heart attack and died.
Enraged by the news, the son stormed the ward and physically assaulted the doctor on duty.
The suspect allegedly tore the doctor’s gown and pushed down some medical equipment.
Nurses who were present fled the ward, shouting for help as the assault was ongoing.
The suspect was later overpowered by the security at the hospital and handed over to the Police who arrived at the facility.
This incident comes barely a months after an alleged assault on staff of Ridge Hospital in Accra, which prompted an internal probe.
The investigative committee however found no evidence of physical assault but recommended urgent reforms, increasing security and CCTV coverage at emergency departments.
Implementing nationwide reforms to strengthen emergency care, expand secondary-level hospitals, and improve public education on emergency department operations.
The Friday morning incident highlights the need to facilitate implementation of the committee’s report to protect front line clinicians from unnecessary attacks by distraught relatives.
SOURCE: Kumasi Mail
