‘Medical Kalabule’ Probe Completed …Committee Submits Report

The Ministry of Health has officially received the investigative report into the alleged ‘medical kalabule’ scandal involving the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The report marks a key step in efforts to address concerns about unethical practices and restore public confidence in Ghana’s healthcare system.

The findings were received on behalf of the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, by Deputy Minister and Member of Parliament for the Essikado-Ketan Constituency Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah.

The submission of the report signals a decisive move toward strengthening accountability and transparency within the health sector. The committee was tasked with investigating claims of extortion and alleged collusion between medical personnel and suppliers in the provision of surgical items.

The committee found that a medical officer breached the Ghana Health Service Code of Conduct by directly accepting money from a patient for a surgical item required for an amputation procedure.

It also cited an improper payment made in US dollars to a supplier, which contravenes regulations set by the Bank of Ghana. These findings point to lapses in professional conduct and financial compliance within parts of the system.

Despite the breaches identified, the committee concluded that there was no sufficient evidence to support allegations of deliberate collusion, widely referred to as “medical kalabule”, between doctors and suppliers.

The investigation therefore ruled out claims of an organised scheme involving healthcare professionals and private vendors. However, the report highlighted those isolated incidents and systemic weaknesses may have contributed to public perceptions of misconduct.

The committee identified broader structural issues affecting the availability of neurosurgical implants and related consumables in public hospitals. According to the findings, financial constraints at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital have limited its ability to stock essential implants.

This situation has sometimes forced patients to purchase critical medical items directly from private suppliers before undergoing surgery. The report suggests that these gaps in supply systems may create conditions that expose patients to financial and ethical risks.

Recommendations

To address the issues identified, the committee proposed several reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the health sector.

These include strengthening complaint management systems in hospitals, introducing orientation programmes on legal and ethical standards for medical personnel and improving documentation of medical procedures and implants.

The committee also recommended establishing a dedicated revolving fund for implants and developing clear policies to regulate intramural practice in public hospitals.

Members include Dr Eric Kofi Ngyedu, Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and Dean of Chief Executives for Teaching Hospitals, and Dr Adam Abass, a neurosurgeon at the Tamale Teaching Hospital and President of the Ghana Academy of Neurosurgeons.

Also serving on the committee are Dr George Sabblah, Deputy Chief Executive for Technical Operations at the Food and Drugs Authority and representative of the FDA, Dr Nicholas Adjabu from the Engineering Unit of the Ministry of Health, and Dr Frederick Kwarteng, a biomedical engineer and representative of the Ghana Medical Association.

Dr Kwarteng also heads the Department of Trauma and Orthopedics as well as the Department of Accident and Emergency at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Representing civil society organisations is Professor John Osae Kwapong, a Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development.

Accountability

Receiving the report, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah commended the committee for its thorough and independent work. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to upholding high standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability within Ghana’s healthcare system.

The Deputy Minister assured the public that the Ministry will carefully review the findings and implement appropriate measures to address the issues raised.

The Ministry of Health has reiterated its commitment to strengthening governance, procurement processes and service delivery across health facilities.