The Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, Braimah Baba Abubakari, has issued a stern warning to nurses engaging in unauthorized medical practice, describing the act as criminal, illegal, and a serious danger to public health and safety.
His comments follow a GBC News investigation that revealed cases of nurses performing medical procedures and offering treatments outside accredited health facilities and without the required approval.
Mr. Abubakari stressed that such behavior violates professional ethics and exposes the public to significant risks. He explained that medical procedures conducted outside regulated environments often lack essential equipment, hygienic conditions, and emergency support systems necessary to ensure patient safety.
“Many professionals are aware of the rules, but some choose to cut corners, believing they won’t be found out. You may get away with it for years, but one mistake can destroy everything you’ve worked for,” he cautioned.
He emphasized that the Ghana Health Service takes these violations seriously and will not hesitate to impose strict sanctions—ranging from license revocation to fines or imprisonment—against any nurse found culpable.
“If any nurse engages in irregular or illegal practices, and the law catches up with you, your license can be revoked, you can be jailed, fined, and face other penalties,” he warned.
Mr. Abubakari also pointed out that the misconduct of a few should not overshadow the dedication of the many nurses who consistently uphold high standards of care. However, he insisted that decisive action is necessary to protect both the profession and the public.
He urged community members to seek medical care only from accredited facilities and encouraged them to report any suspected illegal medical activities to the appropriate authorities.
The Regional Directorate has pledged to intensify monitoring and collaborate with other relevant agencies to clamp down on unauthorized medical practice, ensuring that healthcare delivery in the region remains safe, professional, and properly regulated.
