The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has cautioned healthcare facilities against charging patients to use washrooms.
According to the GHS, it has observed that some hospitals are demanding payment from patients before allowing them access to washroom facilities.
In a circular addressed to all regional directors of health, the GHS stressed that washrooms are an integral part of hospital infrastructure, meant to provide comfort to patients and visitors, and should not be used as a means of exploitation.
The circular, signed by Acting Director-General Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, stated, “The washrooms must at all times be kept clean and comfortable to prevent the risk of infection, improve perception of patient care quality, and increase patient satisfaction.”
“Regional Directors are accordingly requested to ensure that this practice ceases with immediate effect,” the statement added.
The GHS further warned that any facility head who fails to comply with the directive will face sanction.
