JoyNews' documentary, 'Sick Hospitals,' became a focal point during the State of the Nation Address debate on health and healthcare delivery in the country.

The documentary, presented by the Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh was a key component of the discussion on the state of the nation, following President Akufo-Addo's presentation on Tuesday, February 27.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Mr Akandoh highlighted the alarming absence of essential healthcare equipment in numerous hospitals across the country.

He specifically pointed out the deficiency of a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner at the 37 Military Hospital, an important medical facility in Ghana.

This equipment is crucial for radiological imaging of anatomy and physiological processes within the body.

“Mr Speaker, the state of Ghana is that, the nurses who completed their nursing education since 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, are still at home from 2020 till today. That is the state of Ghana as I speak to you now whilst a lot of them are leaving the country. Those who have completed for the past four years are still at home.”

Additionally, he drew attention to the non-operational status of 100 out of the 300 ambulances purchased by the government two years ago.

To substantiate his claims about inadequate healthcare, Mr. Akandoh presented a video depicting the dire conditions of Ghana's healthcare facilities.

However, some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu, questioned the accuracy of the video, suggesting that it might be outdated and biased.

“What is the meaning of this? How can we validate what he is trying to show us? What is the source of this? If it is an ancient matter that he is trying to force on our imagination, how do we know it? So please Honourable Speaker it cannot be authenticated and therefore he shouldn’t feed us with propaganda.”

“I saw some pictures of crimes. And I submit that it is unethical to video clients in hospital settings without their permission. So Mr Speaker even if leadership agreed, I would have objected that they erred in that agreement. It is unethical to show patients in that kind of situation. We do not have permission to show it.”

In response to objections from NPP MPs, Mr Akandoh clarified that he had followed proper protocol by consulting with both the Majority and Minority Chief Whips before presenting the video.

He emphasised, "I even gave him a copy. I sent a copy to him. Mr. Speaker, I don’t do things by heart."