GMA alarmed by increasing coronavirus cases in Ghana

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has expressed worry about the continuous increase in community spread of the deadly novel coronavirus cases in Ghana.

In a statement issued Monday, the Association recommended strictly enforcement of all COVID-19 preventive measures by the law enforcement agencies including the Courts.

Ghana’s Covid-19 case count currently stands at 17, 741 of which 390 were recorded on Monday, June 29.

This, the Association described as worrying, emphasizing the need for intensified education on COVID-19 as well as on stigma.

The statement also called on government to as a matter of urgency, make personal protective equipment (PPE) available for front line workers to curb the continuous spread of Covid-19 among health professionals.

According to him, “health professionals continue to face huge challenges accessing the appropriate PPEs for their work”.

This, he believes “has contributed significantly too large numbers of health professionals getting infected in the line of duty”.

The GMA is, therefore, calling on government to rectify all challenges within the supply chain, and demanded that priority be placed on the provision of quality PPE in large quantities to address the constant shortages at various health facilities.

It further lamented the periodic shortage of drugs and delay in test results of patients. It observed that the test results of patients sometimes take between 7 to 10 days to arrive after samples are taken.

“This situation undoubtedly is not the best for case management especially with its attendant high risk of viral exposure to health professionals and patients at the various facilities”, the statement read.

Government has therefore been urged to ensure test results are received within 24hours after sample taking.

Again, it raised concerns about what it said has been periodic shortages of drugs needed for COVID-19 case management, and asked that it is addressed immediately.