Patients Should not Pay to pee – Says Health Service Chief

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a firm directive to all regional health directors, instructing an immediate halt to the collection of fees for the use of washrooms in public health facilities across the country.

In a notice signed by the Acting Director-General, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the GHS described the practice as inappropriate and counterproductive to the principles of patient dignity, infection control, and public health equity. “Washrooms are an integral part of hospital infrastructure, intended to provide comfort for patients and visitors — not a means for exploitation,” the directive noted.

The GHS highlighted the potential health risks associated with denying or discouraging access to sanitary facilities, particularly for vulnerable patients and caregivers. “Clean and accessible washrooms play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infections, improving the perceived quality of care, and enhancing overall patient satisfaction,” it said.

The move follows growing concerns and public complaints about the imposition of charges for basic amenities in some health facilities, including those under the management of the GHS. Civil society groups have long criticised such practices as regressive and harmful, especially for low-income patients.

The directive warns that facility heads who fail to comply with the new order will face sanctions. “Regional Directors are requested to ensure this practice ceases with immediate effect. Failure to adhere will attract disciplinary measures,” it reads.

In a healthcare system already under strain, the emphasis on equitable access to basic sanitation is being welcomed by health advocates as a step in the right direction. It underscores the importance of non-clinical factors in patient care and the need for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to health service delivery.

The Ghana Health Service is urging all hospital administrators to take immediate steps to ensure that washrooms are kept clean, functional, and free for use by all patients and visitors, as a matter of public health and human dignity.

Source: The Hawk