Health Ministry pledges to probe Ridge Hospital over costly medical charges

The Ministry of Health has announced plans to investigate allegations of costly and unapproved medical charges at Ridge Hospital following an investigative documentary by The Fourth Estate.

The decision follows the release of Medical Kalabule: Inside Ridge Hospital’s Prescription Scam, an investigative piece by journalist Joojo Cobbinah, which details alleged unethical practices at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital.

The documentary has since gained wide circulation on social media, prompting public concern and an official response from the ministry.

In a press release issued on Monday, the Ministry of Health said it had taken note of the revelations and described the issues raised as serious. “We are deeply concerned and surprised by some of the revelations contained in the report,” the statement said, adding that the matters “deserve thorough examination.”

The documentary contains accounts from patients who claimed they were directed by hospital staff to private health facilities and pharmacies operating outside the hospital’s approved system.

According to the investigation, patients were compelled to purchase prescribed medicines at significantly higher costs from these external outlets, despite similar drugs being expected to be available within the public facility’s framework.

One patient featured in the documentary alleged that payment for medicines was demanded in United States dollars, a practice that contradicts Bank of Ghana directives that prohibit local transactions in foreign currency. The incident has intensified concerns about regulatory breaches and patient exploitation within the public health system.

Reacting to the findings, the ministry expressed sympathy for affected patients and their families.

“The Ministry sympathises with patients and relatives who may have been subjected to any form of unprofessional conduct in any health facility across the country,” the statement noted.

It further stressed government’s broader objective of easing the burden on healthcare users.

“Government remains committed to reducing the stress and financial burden patients face in accessing healthcare,” the release added.

As part of immediate steps, the ministry announced that it is constituting an investigative committee to look into the allegations surrounding Ridge Hospital.

According to the statement, the committee is expected to submit its findings within 14 working days.

The ministry also called on all relevant stakeholders to cooperate fully with the investigation.

“The Ministry expects the full cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, including The Fourth Estate, to help unravel the facts and ensure accountability while improving service delivery within our health system,” the statement said.