About seven (7) health workers have been sacked from the Atebubu Government Hospital following rot exposed by the youth of the town.
The chiefs and youth alleged that the hospital, under the leadership of Dr. Cornelius Atsu Gligui, has been extorting money from pregnant women and NHIS holders for drugs and laboratory services without issuing them receipts.
They also accuse the hospital leadership of diverting funds, among other things to the detriment of the hospital.
The Brong-Ahafo Regional Health Directorate instituted investigations after the allegations, only to discover that the rot is worse than the initial information given them by the youth.
Benkumhene of the Atebubu Traditional Council, Oheneba Nana Ampedu Boateng, told Adom News they established some rots even before the youth alleged, therefore, management has no option than to sack those involved to make way for investigations.
“Yes, it is true that some workers at the hospital have been sacked. They are involved in all sorts of rots. Taking monies without issuing receipts to patients and spending monies unnecessarily and so management of the hospital sacked them to pave way for investigations” he said.
Listen to Oheneba Nana Ampedu Boateng,
Meanwhile, the chiefs in the area are demanding the Senior Biomedical Scientist of the hospital, Charles Badiwon to be reinstated because he is innocent.
But a statement released by the GAMLS and signed by Mr Adu-Gyasi, Public Relations Officer noted: “From all indications, the act of victimisation perpetrated on the professional was upheld by the Brong Ahafo Regional Health Directorate without listening to his side of the story. The management of the hospital decided to levy customers and orally communicated to the Medical Laboratory Manager [Charles Badiwon].
“He [Badiwon] advised against the act but because he was under authority, requested for a written document from management to enable him act on such instructions. To his surprise, the Medical Superintendent gave him a query letter to explain why a disciplinary action should not be taken against him for “rudely terminating management’s decision” to levy NHIS customers because of non-payment of claims?
The long and short of this is that with the confirmation of the Regional Health Directorate even against the petitions of the Atebubu Traditional Council and the youth, Mr Charles Badiwon was transferred from the facility with immediate effect.
“Is it the case of showing where power lies? Why should individuals who point out perceived wrongs be victimised particularly when it goes against management decision? How I wish the laws speak for the “have-nots” just as Charles!
“The driving force of this piece stems from the fact that healthcare providers are meting out undue hardship and pressure to healthcare seekers validly registered with the NHIS. This must stop and no further charges should be taken from clients who are validly registered. I am of the view that proper channels should be followed to get a lasting solution to this canker which appears to have assumed a nationwide scale.
Culprits must be brought to book as we expect all laws to be obeyed to the fullest. I am of the belief that no one is above the laws of this great nation. I, therefore, call on the respective authorities, particularly the NHIA, to stop the levying of valid NHIS clients by facilities that are in contract with the Authority.
If this cannot be done, it is better we are made aware that the scheme cannot be maintained and for that matter, we are back to cash-and-carry.”