The Bulsa South District Health Director Mr. Emmanuel K. Kob-Puo has acknowledged receiving multiple complaints regarding alleged unprofessional attitudes exhibited by some health workers within the district, assuring the public that steps are being taken to address the situation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Voice of BULUK, the Director confirmed that his office has documented couple of such complaints from patients and community members concerning poor treatment at some health facilities. He emphasized that such reports are taken seriously and that affected staff are placed under constant supervision and monitoring to ensure accountability.
Customer Care Training to Improve Professionalism
To improve service delivery and patient relations, the Director revealed that periodic customer care training sessions are organized for health workers across the district. These trainings, he said, are aimed at reinforcing ethical conduct, empathy, and professionalism in patient care, in line with Ghana Health Service standards.
According to him, professional conduct remains a core requirement for healthcare delivery, regardless of circumstances.
Staff Shortages Linked to Stress and Burnout
In explaining the possible causes of some of the reported misconduct, the Health Director attributed the issue largely to inadequate staffing levels in the district. He noted that in some facilities, especially at the CHPS (Community-based Health Planning and Services) level, a single midwife or nurse may be required to work multiple shifts, leading to exhaustion and stress.
“This level of workload can be overwhelming,” he explained, adding that prolonged stress may sometimes cause health workers to unintentionally transfer their frustrations onto patients.
However, he was quick to caution that stress or frustration must never be used as justification for unprofessional behavior.
“Patients should not, under any circumstances, be at the receiving end of staff frustrations,” he stressed.
Committees Established to Monitor and Report Misconduct
To strengthen oversight and accountability, the District Health Director disclosed that several monitoring and reporting structures have been put in place.
At the community level, Community Health Committees, made up of local residents, operate at CHPS compounds to observe and report issues. At the district level, a District Health Committee, composed of prominent and respected individuals, also supports monitoring and mediation.
These committees serve as a bridge between the community and health authorities, ensuring concerns are addressed promptly.
Public Encouraged to Report Complaints
The Director urged patients and family members who experience mistreatment or unprofessional conduct to report such incidents without fear, either through the established committees or directly to his office.
“Do not hesitate to report complaints or unprofessional attitudes by staff to me,” he stated.
Call for Collective Responsibility
In concluding the interview, the Health Director emphasized that effective healthcare delivery requires collaboration between health workers and the community. Mutual respect, understanding, and communication, he said, are essential to improving health outcomes in the district.
As Bulsa South continues to grapple with staffing challenges common across many rural districts in Ghana, health authorities say they remain committed to improving professionalism, accountability, and patient-centered care.
