The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has urged healthcare professionals to handle patients under their care with utmost respect. 

The GMA said the trust and loyalty that exist between a healthcare worker and a patient must be upheld at all times.

This is according to the General Secretary of GMA, Dr. Titus Beyuo.

According to him, when a patient comes to a doctor or any other professional in that field, it presupposes that a contract of trust, respect and loyalty has been signed between the two. 

He, therefore, urged healthcare workers to endeavor to adhere to this contract at all times. 

“The relationship between a doctor or a healthcare worker and a patient is hinged on some factors. It is a relationship of trust because people trust you with their lives, with their health and you must handle that relationship with care. It is also a relationship of knowledge which means that you the one handling me, you know what you are about, you are a professional and I can expect that. So that’s the kind of contract they have signed with you by coming to you and there is respect and some bit of loyalty,” he said.

Dr. Beyuo made this known on Joy FM's Super Morning Show (SMS) on Wednesday, July 27. 

The discussion centered on experiences patients go through at the hands of healthcare professionals when they visit the clinics and hospitals.

It was borne out of the theme for the 22nd Annual Public Lecture of the Ghana Medical Association, “Healthcare Worker-patient Relationship in contemporary times.”

The Public Lecture will be held at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho on Friday, July 29, 2022.