Unlicensed Midwife caused harm and even death to patients

Unveiling the Consequences of Negligence: The Tale of Matron Gaga and the Regretful Hospital Owner

On June 27, 2021, Dr. Owusu, a seasoned family health doctor, found himself filled with unease and anger. He had become aware of Matron Gaga's questionable practices and the harm she had caused. Disturbed by her lack of listening and the disastrous outcomes that followed, Dr. Owusu contemplated terminating her employment, an agonizing decision he had been wrestling with for days.

Photo by Hu Chen

Driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to patient safety, Dr. Owusu gathered the courage to make the call to Matron Gaga. He requested that she refrain from reporting to work until further notice. Although the termination was overdue, it was a difficult step for Dr. Owusu, who had maintained a long-standing relationship with her.

Reflecting on his decision to hire Matron Gaga almost three decades ago, Dr. Owusu acknowledged his naivety. At the time, the medical landscape was challenging, and he needed assistance in managing the clinic. Without proper qualifications, Matron Gaga had performed midwifery tasks, including delivering babies and stitching cervixes. Dr. Owusu deeply regretted granting her the freedom to operate without the necessary credentials.

Months after her dismissal, Matron Gaga attempted to convince Dr. Owusu to reinstate her. However, he remained resolute, standing by his decision. Realizing the gravity of the situation and the potential risks to patients, he offered her compensation and insisted that she leave. Matron Gaga's rejection of the compensation signaled the end of her tenure at the clinic.

Despite her dismissal, it took Matron Gaga only two months to secure another job. Shockingly, her lack of qualifications was not a concern for her new employer, Adams Specialist Clinic. This failure in due diligence highlighted the need for stricter hiring practices and regulations within the healthcare industry.

The Fourth Estate, an investigative journalism team, uncovered Matron Gaga's presence at the Adams Specialist Clinic. During an encounter with their team, Matron Gaga admitted her lack of qualification as a midwife. She shared her personal history, influenced by her grandmother's work as a midwife. However, she evaded questions about her supervision of trained midwives and the medical errors that occurred under her watch.

When confronted with the consequences of her actions, Matron Gaga offered apologies to her victims. She expressed remorse for the harm caused and pleaded for forgiveness. However, her pleas were met with skepticism, as her apologies seemed insincere in the face of the irreparable damage inflicted upon innocent lives.

Matron Gaga's demand for out-of-pocket payments from pregnant women, despite Ghana's free maternal care policy, underscored the flaws in the healthcare system. The exploitation of vulnerable patients not only undermines the country's efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality but also highlights the need for comprehensive reforms and stronger enforcement of existing policies.

 Source: The Fourth Estate