UGMC demands retraction, apology from Michael Blackson over ‘worst hospital’ claim

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has issued a formal demand for a retraction and apology from Ghanaian American comedian Michael Blackson, following his derogatory remarks about the hospital being the "worst in Ghana." UGMC claims that Blackson's comments have tarnished its reputation and do not accurately represent the medical facility's clinical standards or overall performance.

Addressing the matter on JoyNews Desk on August 10, Dr Baffour Gyan, the Director of Medical Affairs, strongly disagreed with Blackson's assertion. Dr Gyan emphasized that a hospital's assessment should be based on its performance records, infrastructure, and qualified personnel, rather than an individual's personal experience. He affirmed that UGMC is actively pursuing Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation to meet international standards and attract medical tourists, firmly rejecting allegations of misdiagnosis or negligence in the treatment of Blackson's 83-year-old mother.

According to Dr Gyan, the 83-year-old woman was referred to UGMC from another facility due to a severe infection and spent a total of eight weeks in the hospital, including six weeks in the Intensive Care Unit. He assured that the hospital's clinicians adhered to standard treatment protocols throughout her admission, with the ultimate cause of death attributed to the infection she initially presented with.

Dr Gyan expressed condolences to the family, acknowledging the tragedy of losing a loved one, despite the hospital's best efforts to save them.

UGMC has officially written to Blackson via their legal representatives, urging him to retract and apologize for the statements he made on social media. The hospital awaits Blackson's response to their formal demand.