Health News of Wednesday, 18 January 2017

Source: starrfmonline.com

Abortion clinic in Suhum can’t be shut down , GHS

Ghana Health Service (GHS) is in a dilemma over the closure of the illegal “abortion clinic” located in Suhum and operated by a fake doctor only known as David.

According to the GHS, it was observed that the facility also serves as accommodation for family members of David therefore making it difficult to completely shut down the facility.

“I can’t even say it is a house, it is a typical village house fenced with woods. It is not a health facility, it is a house where people live…not a facility that you will say, you are closing down,” the Suhum Municipal health Director, Dr. Samuel Agyeman Boateng.

Dr. Agyeman Boateng said the GHS has launched investigations into the matter and tracking the fake doctor who is now on the run.

The Municipal Health Director also confirmed reports that the quack abortion doctor was a Health Extension Officer with the Youth Employment Agency posted to Tetteh Quashie Memorial Hospital at Mampong-Akuapem but after exiting the agency, was employed by Rev. Bidi Memorial Hospital popularly known as Setsoafia Clinic as a ward assistant.

He was, however, dismissed by the Hospital 10 months ago over misconduct.

David claims that he has a license to operate, but has no money to build a standard facility to legally operate.
“I am pleading with you not to report this case to the police because of my involvement, even though I have license to operate…I don’t have money to construct my own facility. So I know I am operating illegally, so let the girl go to the hospital for a scan to be done so that we will all be sure that she is okay but I trust she is fine.

“When this case goes to court, I know I will be jailed not less than 25 years, but it is the victim who will be stigmatized in the town. I have a license, but there are rules and regulations attached but I know I have breached the rules,” David said during the investigations.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Eastern regional Police Command, ASP Nketia Yeboah has assured that the Police will do everything possible to arrest the quack Doctor.