GHS medical-legal claims hit GH¢400m in three years

Medical-legal claims against Ghana's Health Service (GHS) and affiliated facilities reached approximately GH¢400 million over the last three years, according to Dr Caroline Reindorf Amissah, Deputy Director-General of the GHS. The claims referenced 173 cases from 2023 to 2025, involving allegations of medical negligence, incorrect or delayed diagnoses, treatment or medication errors, improper informed consent, and injuries or deaths attributed to substandard care.

The number of cases surged from 40 in 2023 to 89 in 2025, posing substantial financial and reputational risks to healthcare delivery.

Amissah emphasized that if the current trend persists, the financial strain might become significant and erode public trust in the healthcare system. Speaking at the opening of a five-day structured legal training program for GHS legal officers, she urged healthcare professionals to respect patients' rights and ensure proper explanation of proposed treatments and procedures.

She warned that refusal of treatment after adequate information about risks and benefits should be documented to protect both patients and healthcare providers.

Dr Gina Teddy, a member of the GHS Council, highlighted that healthcare delivery is no longer solely a clinical responsibility; health institutions must comply with legal and ethical standards, governance structures, and administrative procedures. She noted that patients are now empowered and actively research their conditions before seeking medical attention, making it crucial for healthcare institutions and professionals to uphold patients' rights.

The training aims to equip legal officers with the skills to identify and manage medical-legal risks before they escalate into disputes.