Gana Ministry of Health to install CCTV in all health facilities to protect personnel against violence

Gana Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced that closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems will be mandatorily installed in all public health facilities across the country. This important decision is being implemented to protect healthcare workers who are affected by increasing incidents of violence during their duties. The Minister stated in his speech at Parlamento on Wednesday, 8 Temmuz, that urgent steps are being taken to ensure security and protect personnel against potential attacks. The new directive stands out as a highly comprehensive implementation covering all institutions affiliated with the Ministry, from small health centers to the largest teaching hospitals. With the installation of the system, in-facility security will be ensured, and in the event of any adverse situation, evidence will be provided to facilitate investigation processes.

In his statement regarding the matter, Akandoh emphasized that this implementation is an absolute necessity for healthcare facilities across the country. The Minister explicitly stated that institutions at every level, from CHIPS zones to health centers, from polyclinics to district, regional, and teaching hospitals, are obliged to comply with this new rule. This decision is based on measures taken against the increasing physical assaults and other violent incidents directed at healthcare workers in various parts of the country. With these steps, the Government aims to maximize security measures in public healthcare institutions and ensure that personnel work in peace at their workplace. Authorities believe that such surveillance systems are an extremely effective method to deter potential criminal acts.

In his speech addressing Parlamento, the Minister assured that there will be no setbacks regarding the financing of this comprehensive security project. Stating that there are no obstacles regarding financial resources, Akandoh expressed that the necessary appropriations are already available for the successful implementation of the project. The Minister stated that this financing can easily be covered from different items within the Ministry's current budget approved by Parlamento. Additionally, he added that some health facilities may use their own internal resources or revenues to install these systems. This financial guarantee is considered a strong signal that the project will not remain only on paper and will be rapidly put into practice in all institutions.

Violence against healthcare workers continues to be a serious source of concern, not only for Gana but generally for all countries worldwide. Physical attacks in hospitals and clinics lower the motivation of medical personnel and directly threaten the public's right to receive quality healthcare services. This new CCTV decision taken by the Gana government is seen as a bold step taken so that medical professionals can practice their professions in a safer working environment. The presence of surveillance cameras is also expected to help bring situations under control more quickly during crises or when patients' relatives are tense. Experts argue that, in addition to such technological measures, campaigns aimed at raising public awareness must continue to prevent violent incidents.

These statements made by Akandoh at Parlamento reveal the government's determination to ensure security and industrial peace in the health sector. The immediate entry into force of the new directive clearly shows the gravity of the situation and that authorities want to urgently resolve the issue. In the upcoming period, it will be a matter of curiosity how quickly and effectively these surveillance systems will be installed, even in the smallest units in the most remote corners of the country. On the other hand, it is emphasized that issues such as patient privacy and the protection of personal data must be meticulously observed during the use of these security cameras. Ultimately, this policy aims to ensure the peace of both workers and patients by redefining security standards in healthcare facilities nationwide.