The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a strong directive banning the charging of fees for the use of toilets in health facilities across the country. This move, aimed at reinforcing patient comfort and hygiene, was communicated in a circular dated April 16 and signed by the Director-General of the Service, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea.
“Our attention has been drawn to the charging of fees at Ghana Health Service facilities. It must be noted that the washrooms are an integral part of the hospital infrastructure intended to provide comfort for patients and visitors and should not be used as avenues for exploitation,” Prof. Akoriyea stated.
He emphasized that clean, accessible washrooms are vital to preventing infections, enhancing the public’s perception of healthcare, and improving overall patient satisfaction.
“The washrooms must at all times be kept clean and comfortable to prevent the risk of infection, improve perception of patient care quality and increase patient satisfaction,” he stressed.
In a no-nonsense tone, the circular instructed all Regional Directors to enforce this directive without delay, warning that any facility head found flouting the order would face sanctions.
“Regional Directors are accordingly requested to ensure that this practice ceases with immediate effect. Failure by facility heads to adhere to this directive will attract sanctions. Kindly bring this to the notice of all heads of facilities for strict compliance,” Prof. Akoriyea warned.
Meanwhile, the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate has raised alarms over the rising threat of cholera as the rainy season begins. With flooding often leading to contaminated water sources, the risk of cholera outbreaks is significantly heightened.
The region has already recorded its first cholera case through contaminated food, prompting urgent public health messaging to promote hygienic practices.
Accra Metro, Ada East, Ablekuma Central, Ga South, and Weija Gbawe are currently the hardest-hit districts, accounting for the highest number of cholera cases as of February 25.
Madam Eunice Joan Teah Dzagli, Health Promotion Manager at the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate, voiced her concern about inadequate public awareness and called on the media and stakeholders to intensify efforts.
“Our focus is zero cholera for this rainy season. And to achieve this, we need all hands on deck. We don’t want to go back to what we experienced. Even if it is one death — if it is your family or your relative, you understand the impact,” she emphasized.
She also underscored the critical role of accurate information, urging the media to verify facts before publication.
“We need the media to get in touch when you need information about the disease. Risk communication is very important in this period, and you will end up giving an information that will cause more damage and cannot be taken back,” she cautioned.
Since the beginning of the cholera outbreak in August last year, Ghana has reported 6,145 suspected cases, with 719 confirmed and 49 deaths.
