The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi has responded to allegations that a suspected fake doctor had been attending to patients within their facility. The incident unfolded on a Monday when an individual claiming to be Dr. Williams Cyril Cohen was apprehended on the walkway behind the Accident and Emergency Centre (A&E). The individual’s actions and identity raised suspicions, prompting KATH to set the record straight.
KATH’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kwame Frimpong, issued a statement to address the situation. He made it unequivocally clear that the suspect was not found in any service points within the hospital, making it impossible for him to have attended to patients, contrary to circulating rumors.
The statement provided a more detailed account of the incident, revealing that a hospital director encountered the suspect on the walkway behind the A&E centre. The individual, carrying a backpack and dressed in medical attire bearing the name ‘Dr. Williams Cyril Cohen,’ claimed to be passing through the hospital to deliver something to someone. When questioned about his identity and workplace, he attempted to leave.
Suspicious of the situation, the hospital director promptly raised an alarm, leading to the apprehension of the fleeing suspect, who was subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.
KATH highlighted its stringent team-based system for overseeing patient care services. This system ensures that only accredited staff members can access and attend to patients at designated service points. Additionally, the hospital underscored its use of an Electronic Medical Records System (EMRS), which is accessible only to authorized staff with unique passwords. This stringent protocol guarantees that non-staff members cannot access or treat patients.
The statement reassured the public that no assessments, diagnoses, reviews, or prescriptions could be conducted by non-staff members within the hospital. It also cautioned against engaging with individuals outside accredited service areas at the hospital, advising anyone approached by such individuals to promptly report them to the nearest security guard.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict protocols within healthcare facilities to protect patient safety and maintain the integrity of medical services. KATH’s swift response and commitment to ensuring the well-being of its patients demonstrate their dedication to upholding the highest standards of care and security within their institution.
