A cloud of controversy is hovering over the neurosurgery unit of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), with questions emerging regarding procurement protocols, the use of private pharmacy request forms, and accountability in recent high-profile surgical procedures.
In a detailed exposé, concerns have been raised about the operational practices within the facility, particularly involving the use of request forms from a private entity, Axis Pharmacy. Following the airing of an investigative documentary by the Fourth Estate, stakeholders are calling on the Presidency, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to scrutinize happenings within the health sector.
The ‘Axis Pharmacy Forms’ Question
Central to the inquiry is the revelation that surgical items at Ridge Hospital were being requested using forms from Axis Pharmacy. Reports indicate that while neurosurgeons at the facility have since discontinued the use of these specific forms, the transition has opened a floodgate of questions regarding procurement integrity.
Sources are questioning what documentation is currently being used for requests, and whether the previous practice extended beyond implants to include accessories and consumables. Particular attention has been drawn to the case of a patient identified as Perfect Sunday, with inquiries into whether an implant was used during that specific surgery.
A key point of contention is the explanation offered by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), who reportedly described the presence of the Axis Pharmacy form at Ridge Hospital as a mere “souvenir.” Critics are pushing back against this characterization, asking if the presence of a private entity’s official documentation in a public health facility truly constitutes a keepsake, or if it implies a deeper, informal procurement channel.
Leadership and Oversight Under Scrutiny
The current Director-General of the GHS, who previously served as the Institutional Care Division (ICD) Director, is facing pointed questions regarding oversight. Observers are questioning why the practice of using private forms was allowed to persist under his watch, and why a standardized, officially approved request form was not developed and mandated for use across GHS facilities.
“Did the investigation establish how long the Axis Pharmacy request forms had been placed at Ridge Hospital?” the report queries. “If this practice was unique to Ridge, why was that facility singled out? This pattern mirrors sole-sourcing in procurement and must be thoroughly investigated.”
Further investigations are needed to determine if the Ministry of Health or Ridge Hospital ever directly procured brain surgical equipment from Axis Pharmacy. If not, questions linger regarding how and why accessories and consumables were being sourced from there.
Demand for Accountability in High-Profile Cases
The calls for transparency extend to the recent successful separation of conjoined twins at Ridge Hospital—a procedure hailed as a medical milestone. The current Director-General served as the technical lead for that project. Given the substantial financial contributions from both the government and private sector, there are demands for a detailed audit of the procurement of equipment and surgical consumables used in that operation.
“We need to know if there have been any petitions regarding the procurement for the Siamese twin surgery,” the publication stated. “What is the clinical state of the surviving twin? Where are the leftover supplies? The colossal amount of money put in cannot be swept under the carpet without transparent accountability.”
Calls for Comprehensive Review
The Campaigner is also calling for a comparative analysis of neurosurgery outcomes, particularly brain surgeries, between Ridge Hospital and three other facilities to establish benchmarks and ensure quality of care.
Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding the composition of the investigation committee. It remains unclear whether the current Medical Director of Ridge Hospital, who featured in the documentary, was invited to testify, despite some of the cases in question occurring during his tenure.
As the public awaits further action, pressure is mounting on the GHS leadership and security agencies to conduct a thorough forensic investigation into the “Axis Pharmacy” saga and ensure that due diligence and duty of care are strictly enforced in Ghana’s health sector.
