By Peter Agengre
The Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, Braimah Baba Abubakari, has issued a strong warning to nurses involved in unauthorized medical practice, describing the act as criminal, illegal, and a direct threat to public health and safety.
His remarks follow a GBC News investigation which uncovered instances of some nurses offering medical procedures and treatments outside approved health facilities and without the required authorization.
According to Mr. Abubakari, such conduct does not only violate professional ethics but also puts unsuspecting members of the public at serious risk. He emphasized that practices performed outside regulated environments often lack the proper equipment, hygiene standards, and emergency support systems that are critical for safe healthcare delivery.
‘‘So, every professional, most of us are aware of this; just that people just decide to cut corners and thinking that wherever they’re nobody may find them up. No may operate for 99 years, but a mistake one day can get you into trouble and all labored for will be vain.”
He stated that the Ghana Health Service takes the issue seriously and will not hesitate to apply the necessary sanctions, including the revocation of licenses for any nurse found culpable.
“If any nurse decides to indulge in practices that are irregular or illegal and the law catches up with you, your license can be ceased, you can go to jail, you can be fined and so many things.” He explained.
Mr. Abubakari noted that the actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the dedication of the many nurses who continue to uphold high standards of care, but insisted that the Service must act decisively to protect both the profession and the public.
He further called on community members to seek medical services only from accredited health facilities and to report suspected illegal operations to the appropriate authorities.
The Regional Directorate says it will intensify monitoring and collaborate with other agencies to clamp down on unauthorized medical practices, ensuring that quality healthcare remains safe, professional, and properly regulated in the region.
