Human rights implications of medical negligence in Central and Greater Accra regions of Ghana

Abstract

Drawing on the experiences of victims of medical negligence in Ghana’s Greater Accra and Central Regions, this study sought to explore the human rights implications of medical negligence, exploring victims’ self-narrated experiences of medical negligence. An interpretive research paradigm and a qualitative research approach were employed in the study. The study adopted case study design, and snowballing sampling technique to sample ten participants from both regions. One-on-one interview technique was employed to collect primary data. Data collected were analyzed thematically. The study found that participants have limited knowledge of their rights as enshrined in the Ghana Patients’ Charter. Surgical negligence, prescription and medication administration errors, and misdiagnosis errors were found to be common medical negligence episodes. The willingness or otherwise to pursue legal action against healthcare practitioners was influenced by fear of victimization, time and energy required, and sociocultural value of non-litigation. The study recommends that there is the need for the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) to embark on intensive and sustainable public education and sensitization on the Patient Charter. It further recommended that human rights courses be integrated into health practitioners training curriculum and be made compulsory for all individuals willing to take up careers in healthcare services.