National President of the Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anaesthetists (GACRA), James Nwinsagra says the lack of recognition is one major challenge that affects members of the association in healthcare delivery in the country.
He indicated that other service providers are always given the needed recognition but little is mentioned of the anesthetist in spite of the magnitude of the work they do in the various hospitals.
Therefore, he called on the government to ensure that the health profession regulatory bodies act 2013 (Act 857) are not amended to change their name from certified registered anesthetist to Physician Assistants (PAs).
Speaking at this year’s World Anesthesia Day Celebration at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital on the theme: Anesthesia and Safe Delivery of the New Born”, James Nwinsagra said the only time the anesthetist is mentioned is either when there is a real emergency or a patient is in crisis adding that, this situation needs to change.
“Whether you deliver by caesarian section or by spontaneous delivery will require resuscitation. And most often than not it is the duty of the anesthetic to resuscitate both the mother and the baby. In Ghana today, the history of anesthesia cannot be written without the mention of the certified registered anesthetics.” He added.
He noted the problem of career progression as one major challenge facing anesthetists in the country. Therefore, he urged members to remain focused and channel their energy in rendering selfless service safely and in a timely manner.
“Government and the Ministry of Health and the schools should take up this challenge to ensure that we have specialization in Pediatrics, Anesthesia, Obstetrician Anesthesia, and Pain management…we are asking the Universities to also take up the challenge. The anesthetists are very intelligent and are willing to have these Ph.D. programs or Master’s programs in self-specialties. I can assure the Universities or the schools of the support from the union to make sure this one becomes a success.
On his part, the Director of Pharmacy at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Dr. Robert Incoom reminded members of the association on the issue of pharmacovigilance especially in the prevention of adverse effects and other drug-related safety problems.
He emphasized the need for them to appropriately make documentation in this regard to ensure that together with the pharmacy directorate and management, they can assure the optimum safety of patients they attend to.
World Anesthesia day is observed to educate the public, celebrate the achievements of the global Anesthesia community.
Source: Anthony Sasu Ayisadu/ATLFMNEWS
