GMA Pushes for National Emergency Healthcare Policy to Address ‘No Bed Syndrome’
The Ghana Medical Association says Ghana needs urgent reforms and a coordinated emergency healthcare system.
- Ernest Yorke is calling for a national emergency healthcare policy to address the “no bed syndrome.”
- The GMA says emergency healthcare reforms should include better funding, stronger regulations, and private sector collaboration.
- The association has submitted recommendations to the committee investigating the death of Charles Amissah.
President of the Ghana Medical Association, Ernest Yorke, has called for the introduction of a comprehensive national emergency healthcare policy to tackle persistent challenges in Ghana’s health system, including the recurring “no bed syndrome.”
Prof. Yorke said Ghana urgently needs a structured roadmap outlining immediate, medium-term, and long-term measures to improve emergency healthcare delivery.
He stressed the need for the country to move beyond public outrage and focus on building a coordinated emergency response system capable of saving lives effectively.
According to him, the GMA has already submitted proposals to the Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa Committee, which investigated circumstances surrounding the death of Charles Amissah after he was reportedly denied emergency medical care.
Prof. Yorke said the association provided both oral and written recommendations detailing the challenges within the healthcare system and possible solutions.
He added that the GMA remains willing to support government efforts aimed at reforming emergency healthcare services.
The GMA President also called for a reassessment of healthcare priorities, stronger collaboration with the private sector, and sustainable funding arrangements for emergency care.
In addition, he suggested that tougher legal and regulatory measures may be necessary to ensure patients are not turned away during emergencies.
Prof. Yorke maintained that the association’s focus is not on defending individuals accused of wrongdoing, but on finding long-term and practical solutions to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
