The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) has begun investigations into the death of 31-year-old Theresa Boakye Dapaah following a caesarean section at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital.

HeFRA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Winfred Korletey Baah, said the agency is awaiting a formal report from the hospital’s management as part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Theresa’s death.

The development follows allegations of negligence levelled against the hospital and its medical staff by Theresa’s husband, Daniel Ofori-Sarpong.

Read Also: 31-year-old woman dies after C-section at Ridge Hospital; husband alleges negligence

In a Facebook post published as the family prepared for her funeral, Mr Ofori-Sarpong accused the hospital and its medical staff of failing in their duty of care.

Speaking on Accra-based Starr FM, Dr Baah said he had engaged the management of Ridge Hospital and that the facility was expected to submit its report shortly.

“So, in this case, and I’ve talked to the CEO for Ridge Hospital, we have started investigations, and they will send a report to us very soon,” he said.

HeFRA promises sanctions if breaches are established

Dr Baah said HeFRA would take disciplinary action against individuals or the facility if the investigation establishes breaches in the delivery of care.

“All those who are found to have breached their duty of care, we are going to sanction them. And the facility, if there are systemic lapses, we will sanction the facility,” he said.

He explained that where a doctor is found to have breached professional standards, the matter would be referred to the Medical and Dental Council for the appropriate disciplinary action.

Nurses found to have breached their professional duties would similarly be referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

According to Dr Baah, where the investigation identifies systemic problems at the facility, HeFRA could direct the hospital to implement corrective measures.

These could include ensuring that senior doctors handle complex cases and improving the quality and availability of medical supplies, with the facility required to provide evidence that the measures have been implemented.

Investigation to determine next steps

Dr Baah said HeFRA treats such incidents as an opportunity to identify weaknesses in the health system and improve patient care.

He stressed that any sanctions or further action would be based on the findings of the investigation.

The agency is therefore expected to review the report from Ridge Hospital before determining the appropriate action in the case.

Theresa Boakye Dapaah died after giving birth to her first child at the facility. The circumstances surrounding her death remain subject to the ongoing investigation.