The Greater Accra Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has strongly condemned the assault of a midwife at Community 22 Polyclinic, describing the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable.
In a statement issued in solidarity with the affected healthcare worker, the association said the attack highlights growing concerns about the safety of nurses and midwives while performing their duties and called for swift justice in the matter.
According to GRNMA, the incident involved a female patient who had undergone a caesarean section and was medically discharged on the third day after surgery. However, the patient reportedly remained at the facility because her medical bills had not yet been settled.
The association explained that tensions arose on the fourth day after the operation when relatives of the patient visited the ward outside the facility’s designated visiting hours.
At the time, the midwife was reportedly attending to other patients and administering medication. GRNMA said she informed the visitors about the hospital’s visitation policy and subsequently requested assistance from security personnel to help maintain order within the ward.
The statement noted that some of the visitors became upset after security officers were called, questioning the decision to involve security personnel in the situation.
According to the association, security officers later left the area to attend to other assignments while disagreements between the parties continued.
GRNMA said the midwife subsequently stepped away to document the incident in an official report. It was during this period, the association alleged, that one of the female relatives physically attacked her from behind while demanding to know why she had walked away during the discussion.
The situation reportedly escalated further when a male relative joined the confrontation, leading to a physical altercation that was later captured in a video now circulating widely on social media.
The association confirmed that the matter has been reported to the police and is expected to proceed before the courts.
GRNMA also disclosed that the affected midwife has undergone medical assessment and received counselling support following the incident. District and regional executives of the association have reportedly maintained close contact with her since the video surfaced online.
The association urged nurses and midwives across the country to continue carrying out their professional responsibilities while remaining conscious of their right to a safe and secure workplace.
Citing provisions of Ghana’s Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), GRNMA noted that workers have the right to withdraw from situations they reasonably believe present an imminent threat to their health or safety.
The association reiterated its commitment to pursuing the case through all legal channels and warned that violence against healthcare professionals must not be tolerated under any circumstances.
GRNMA further stressed that ensuring the safety of healthcare workers is essential to maintaining quality healthcare delivery and protecting those who dedicate their lives to caring for patients.
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