The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a stern directive to all Regional Directors, cautioning health facilities under its jurisdiction to immediately stop the practice of charging patients and visitors for using washrooms.
In a memo sighted by the GHS, the Service described the practice as unacceptable, stating 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.”
The directive emphasised that hospital washrooms must be maintained in a clean and comfortable state at all times to minimise the risk of infection, enhance the public’s perception of healthcare delivery, and improve overall patient satisfaction.
GHS also warned that facility heads who fail to comply with the directive would face sanctions, urging Regional Directors to ensure full enforcement.
“Regional Directors are accordingly requested to ensure that this practice ceases with immediate effect,” the memo read.
Heads of health facilities have been advised to take note of the directive and implement it strictly without exception.
Leave a Reply