Patients and Their Responsibilities.

Rights! Yes, people fight tirelessly for their rights however the responsibilities attached to the rights are not spoken loudly. Kindly read with rapt attention because you cannot expect things you are not entitled(it is funny you added "to" after the last word). The current reports on the health sector have received media attention.What happened to the people whose time did not receive a media attention?


Posterity, our leaders are not at the receiving end of the health system that they are managing. Sad, isn't it? Hmm, for the ambulance issue, just murmur in your head. Most importantly, patients must know what to expect from health personnel.

Have you lost a relative or friend in the hospital? Sorry about that, I propose a hymn titled "When Peace Like a River" to you. 

Previously, I informed you on your rights as a patient, today, I proceed with the responsibilities as a patient. As a patient, there are certain responsibilities that you need to fulfill as you demand for your rights to be respected.

Patients Responsibilities.

The patient should understand that he/she is responsible for his/her own health and should therefore co-operate fully with healthcare providers. The patient is responsible for:

1. Providing full and accurate medical history for his/her diagnosis, treatment, counseling and rehabilitation purposes.

2.
Requesting additional information and or clarification regarding his/her health or treatment, which may not have been well understood.

3.

Complying with prescribed treatment, reporting adverse effects and adhering, to follow up requests.

4.
Informing his/her healthcare providers of any anticipated problems in following prescribed treatment or advice.

5.
Obtaining all necessary information, which have a bearing on his/her management and treatment including all financial implications.

6.
Acquiring knowledge, on preventive, promotive and simple curative practices and where necessary to seeking early professional help.

7.
Maintaining safe and hygienic environment in order to promote good health.

8.
Respecting the rights of other patients/clients and Health Service personnel
Protecting the property of the Health facility.

NB: These rights and responsibilities shall be exercised by accredited and recognized representatives on behalf of minors and patients who are unable for whatever reasons to make informed decisions by themselves;

In all healthcare activities the patient's dignity and interest must be paramount.


We would continue our next conversation on breast cancer. See ya !

Patients and Their Rights.

During senior high school, boys who had "BERIBERI" in their private parts could not visit the school's health centre for treatment. They feared that their health condition might be known by other students at the health centre, despite the level of professionalism by the nurse. Also, they never discussed their health condition with their love partners despite the painful experience.

Dear reader, would you have told him or her about your "BERIBERI" condition? Who would ever do that in this life? That is why I write this letter to educate you on your rights as a patient.

Health issues are matters concerning to the heart of patients, hence they restrict information access to individuals they deem unacceptable. Perhaps, you might have health issues that your parent, wife, husband, doctor or loved one does not know. No need to argue, right?

Death is inevitable but a life lost due to a failed health system is unpardonable. The 70-year man isn't the only person to be a victim of such act. This became news headlines and disappeared into thin air. Have our leaders ever been at the receiving end of this health system?

When you read a book written by Rev. Prof. Seth Ayettey, titled: "Can You Hear the Angels Sing?". He explains the situation of been at the receiving end of a failing health system.

Posterity, after years of receiving treatment at the hospital, you seem not to know your rights as a patient. Have you heard about the Patient Charter?  It outlines the rights and responsibilities of the patient at the hospital. Okay, take a seat and quench your thirst with a cup of jolly juice as I educate you. Today, let us focus on the rights of a patient, I will talk about the responsibilities of the patient in my next letter.

Below is an infograph indicating the rights of a patient.

Many health care institutions fail to indicate whether the person is a student, ancillary or a trainee. We all see them as health professionals. Don't hesitate to look at the tags of  people who are administering treatment to you in the hospital. It is your right to know, just smile and inquire of their professional status. Isn't that simple? 

Generally, people feel insecure when discussing issues about their health. During consultation, patients must insist on their privacy when a third party who is not relevant to the issue is present.  there is a need for privacy during consultation. We have rights as patients and we need to seek it without fear.

Check out number 7, every cost must be explained to the patient prior to treatment. Sometimes, people insist that the health professionals attend to the patient even though they cannot afford it. The public considers health professionals as heartless due to the issue of payment before treatment.

We are tied to responsibilities as we grow, hence our lives affect the people around us. Guard your health with your life. 

HEALTH IS WEALTH.

"I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you."

Swapping Reputation with Customized Pockets.

Yes ! I did tell you in my previous letter that people's private parts will be touched. These officials folded and rolled "bundles of cedis" into their customized pockets. With a hand supporting my chin, I wondered about its equivalence to the reputation that has being swapped with this sum of money.

Posterity, ECG surprised us with lights out and the rain couldn't hold back it's tears as people watched "Number 12". It seemed to be a blockbuster movie with its producer being Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

Should we continue arguing about the methods that Anas employs in his work ? Citizens can measure the positive impact of the investigation. These officials might be role models to some youths, I can imagine their reactions now.

I will be propounding a "goat theory" which will help explain why officials become susceptible to corruption when goat is involved. Let me share some lessons from a book; "The 48 Laws of Power";

Law 5 page 37

SO MUCH DEPENDS ON REPUTATION-GUARD IT WITH YOUR LIFE.

Reputation is the corners tone of power. Through reputation alone you can intimidate and win; once it slips,however, you are vulnerable, and will be attacked on all sides. Make your reputation unassailable. Always be alert to potential attacks and thwart them before they happen. Meanwhile, learn to destroy your enemies by opening holes in their own reputations. Then stand aside and Let public opinion hang them.

Click on this "document" to download the book.

These officials could not guard their reputation with their life. Is all hope lost for Ghana's football?

Just as you watch and weep for mother Ghana, I hope you are not corrupt? Stop starring at me with those eyes and answer it.

Citizens seem to recover from shock, then poom ! The president fires "big" officials, namely;

Alfred Obeng
Managing Director
Bulk Oil Storage and Transport Company Limited.

Mr. Paul Asare Ansah
Director-General
Ghana Ports and Habours Authority.

Posterity, I asked you to click on the link about Sweet Sweet Codeine which is an investigative story on Nigeria, sponsored by BBC. Just for your convenience, watch the video here. 😌😌

Hey ! don't just leave here. I hope you remember this advert. About 10 years ago, it was made to announce the national identification cards. Here, I stand with a shaven beard, yet it stares at the Ghanaian like a zombie. Hmm, let me inquire about its progress ....