A senior medical practitioner and lawyer, Dr Edward Addo Dankwa, has called on health professionals to prioritise thorough documentation and patient care to prevent legal challenges.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Law, Dr Addo Dankwa highlighted the increasing number of medical negligence lawsuits being filed against healthcare providers and urged his colleagues to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves.
“To my colleague health professionals, we all see what's happening, more [legal cases] are coming. I will just ask that we do our documentation appropriately," he advised.
He emphasised the importance of treating each patient's case as though it could potentially result in legal action, stressing that proper record-keeping could be crucial in defending against claims of malpractice.
"Let's consider every patient, every folder before us, to be a potential legal case, and therefore whatever we are doing, we should document it appropriately," he said.
Dr Addo Dankwa noted that thorough documentation would not only help medical professionals protect themselves but would also make the work of legal counsel easier in case a suit arises.
“We should document it appropriately and be prepared in case something [legal] comes up on it, we will be able to defend ourselves, appropriately. It will make the Counsel’s work easier if we do the right things,” he added.
In addition to sound documentation practices, Dr Addo Dankwa stressed the need for healthcare workers to treat patients with respect and compassion, noting that every medical professional is a "potential patient" themselves.
"We should treat patients well. We should do what we have to do. We should have a full regard for life," he urged.
His remarks come at a time when the medical community in Ghana is facing a rising number of lawsuits related to alleged negligence, prompting discussions on how healthcare providers can better protect themselves and their patients.
Read Also: There should be a minimum standard that constitutes negligence – Senior Medical Officer
Latest Stories
-
Expired rice scandal: We won’t jeopardize people’s health or safety for any reason – FDA
4 mins -
UniMAC to host public forum on democracy and communication
22 mins -
Expired Rice Scandal: Ablakwa slams Lamens Company for “Criminal” acts
34 mins -
Avoid the use of vituperative expressions in your campaigns – NCCE
42 mins -
No petroleum revenue allotment to industrialisation in first half of 2024 – PIAC report
48 mins -
Baba Sadiq motivated me to vie for MP position – Okraku-Mantey
1 hour -
“Black Stars failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 a big blow” – Ibrahim Tanko
1 hour -
NPP’s campaign is going very well – Nana Akomea
2 hours -
Employees must file annual income tax returns – Ghana Revenue Authority
2 hours -
Does the Police law empower police to run a broadcasting service?
3 hours -
GFA dissolves Black Stars Management Committee after AFCON qualification disappointment
3 hours -
The Thomas Partey Tournament: Empowering Ghana’s Youth through football
4 hours -
Nana Akomea calls for public inquiry into ‘expired rice’ saga
4 hours -
Maintain Otto Addo despite AFCON 2025 no-show – Nana Akomea advises GFA
4 hours -
GFA issues apology to Ghanaians for Black Stars failure to qualify for AFCON 2025
4 hours