Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has directed directors at the headquarters, regional and district levels, and all departmental heads, to enforce the wearing of approved uniforms and visible name tags by health workers in public health facilities nationwide.

The directive, issued during a working visit to the Catholic Hospital at Battor, aims to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and patient safety across the health sector.

Dr Kaba was at the facility to assess operations at its Cervical Cancer Treatment and Training Centre.

He explained that the measure was necessary to prevent impersonation and safeguard both patients and health workers.

The move follows a recent incident at the Mambrobi Polyclinic in Accra, where a woman allegedly disguised herself as a nurse and stole a baby after pretending to administer medication.

Dr Kaba said proper identification would help avert such incidents and rebuild public trust in the health system.

He noted that visible name tags also improve service delivery, as patients could easily identify health professionals, promoting transparency and professional conduct.

“When patients know your name and you are aware that they know you, you are more likely to be professional in your service delivery,” he said.

“This is an international standard. In hospitals abroad, nurses and doctors are properly dressed with visible name tags, and those in specialised units wear scrubs with identification. We must adopt the same standards.”

He added that identification protects health workers by deterring impersonators and enhancing security within facilities.

He also encouraged staff to wear GHS-branded attire when travelling for official duties, saying proper identification commands respect and recognition.

“Our uniform identifies us, gives us privilege, and protects us. We must take pride in our profession and safeguard its integrity,” Dr Kaba stated.

Dr Atsu Dodor, Volta Regional Director of Health Services, welcomed the directive and pledged his support to ensure full compliance across all health facilities in the region.