We don't refuse treatment to Okada riders - Nurses association responds to allegations [Audio]

Joseph Krampah, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, rejected claims that injured motor riders are mistreated or neglected at hospitals. He said he is unaware of any situation where "okada" riders are refused treatment or subjected to unfair care, stressing that nurses are trained to save lives regardless of a patient's background. He stated, "Our job is to save lives, so we cannot say that okada riders will come to the hospital and we will refuse to take care of them or amputate them. That is not what we do."

Mr. Krampah explained that emergency care is based on the severity of a patient's condition, not on their occupation or identity. He noted that hospitals operate a triage system, which determines which patients require urgent attention. He said that patients may sometimes misunderstand the process and assume they are being neglected when medical staff are actually attending to more critical cases. He further dismissed claims that nurses carry out amputations, stating, "Nurses don't amputate. Doctors are the ones who perform surgeries."

Mr. Krampah added that healthcare delivery is guided by professional standards and laws, with regular training and supervision from district health management teams. He said, "We are trained professionals. There are systems in place, and we follow protocols. Cases are reviewed regularly to ensure proper care." His comments come after concerns raised by motor riders that they are sometimes denied proper care when they are involved in accidents at health facilities.