The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced the immediate enforcement of a strict uniform and name tag policy across all public health facilities following the recent baby theft incident at the Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra.
The directive comes in the wake of heightened public concern over security lapses at health facilities after a newborn was reportedly stolen by a suspect who allegedly disguised herself as a nurse.
New Security Measures Rolled Out
In a statement issued after preliminary investigations into the incident, the GHS indicated that all clinical and non-clinical staff must strictly adhere to approved dress codes and visibly display official identification tags while on duty.
According to the Service, the move is aimed at preventing unauthorized persons from impersonating healthcare workers and gaining access to restricted areas such as maternity wards and neonatal units.
Facility managers have been instructed to ensure that:
All staff wear approved uniforms at all times.
Official name tags are clearly displayed and visible.
Visitors are properly screened and issued identification passes.
Security personnel intensify surveillance, especially in maternity and pediatric wards.
Protecting Patients and Restoring Public Confidence
The GHS emphasized that patient safety remains a top priority and assured the public that additional internal reviews are underway to strengthen security systems across health facilities nationwide.
Health authorities acknowledged that while the Mamprobi incident was unfortunate, it has served as a wake-up call to tighten operational procedures and close existing security gaps.
Collaboration With Security Agencies
The Service also disclosed that it is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to conclude investigations into the baby theft case and ensure that those responsible face the full rigours of the law.
Meanwhile, management of the Mamprobi Polyclinic has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding patients and has pledged full compliance with the new directive.
The GHS urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals within health facilities, stressing that collective responsibility is key to protecting vulnerable patients, especially newborns and mothers.
