Deputy General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Titus Beyuo has intimated that, the Ghana Health system is currently stretched due to the increase in cases of the coronavirus.
Explaining his point with regards to the GMA’s call for the re-imposition of new COVID-19 restrictions due to the increase in the case count in the country, he said Ghana’s health system is now over pressured to the extent that, majority of the facilities handling cases are full and as a result, new cases are being handled at home.
“We must know where we are coming from. We have a fragile system; very robust and well-developed health systems are even collapsing under COVID-19. And for the health systems we have in Ghana and that of the world we can attest to the fact that our systems are being stretched.”
Additionally, he noted also that our COVID centres are over stretched with emergency wards being filled up. This, he noted will have a great implication on patients with other health issues due to the fact that, most health facilities will not be able to accommodate them.
Commenting on the Ghana Health Service’s decision to revisit the old case management regime, he averred that, it was a step in the right direction and noted that, public cooperation will help stem the virus.
He then cautioned the public to take the virus serious because “it is back with full force and it is wreaking havoc.”
Dr. Beyuo debunked claims which purported that, only patients with underlying health were passing away to the virus. He stated that, youthful patients were also dying as a result of the virus.
Touching on the availability of PPE’s for health workers, he posited that, the supply has improved than the initial stages but called for the adequate provision.
He then asked sellers of various PPE’s, especially nose mask to desist from the increment in prices to allow for people to purchase.
Dr. Beyuo called for citizens to help strengthen the health system in the country rather than, overwhelming it to destroy it. He then called for the strict enforcement of laws with regards to ensuring the spread of the virus does not get out hand.
The Ghana Medical Association, today, 25th January, 2021, called for government to place a ban on social gathering as a matter of urgency. The GMA attributed the spread of the virus to the various public gatherings.
The Association also urged citizens to take the precautionary measures serious or downplay it at their own risk.
In their communique, they also appealed to Ghanaians to virtually partake in the final funeral rites of the late President, Jerry John Rawlings. This they say will form part of the steps to curbing the virus.
Earlier today, the General Secretary for the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye disclosed that, contact tracing has been strengthen in the quest to fight the virus and urged Ghanaians to adhere to protocols.
Read More: Contact Tracing Strengthened In Greater Accra- GHS
