A Security Analyst Samuel Nana Appiah has called on the management of Mamprobi Polyclinic and relevant authorities to urgently strengthen security measures at the facility and other hospitals in the country, warning that lapses could expose patients and staff to serious risks.

His directive follows a disturbing incident in which a baby was allegedly stolen from the Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra on Tuesday, February 18, by a female suspect.

Speaking on the issue in an interview with Ama Konadu, the hostess of the Sunyani-based Sompa FM ‘Adea Akye Abia’ morning show, Mr. Appiah stressed that hospitals are critical institutions that must operate with strict security protocols.

According to him, many individuals who visit hospitals and clinics are not personally security conscious, making it the institution’s responsibility to enforce strong systemic security measures.

“Those people who go to these hospitals and clinics are not personally security conscious. So if the institution does not put measures in place to enforce systemic security strength, it means people who go there will be vulnerable,” he stated.

He explained that hospitals are essential organizations worldwide, serving people from diverse backgrounds, and are therefore prone to various security challenges. Without conscious efforts from management and staff, he warned, security lapses could become “very large and huge.

”Mr. Appiah proposed a reorientation of policies and operational procedures at the facility. He emphasized that management must treat security as a serious institutional priority rather than continuing with “business as usual

”He specifically highlighted the need for strict entry and exit procedures.

“The important thing is that there should be an exit procedure.

Entry and exit procedures are very key in hospitals and clinics,” he said.

He recommended implementing systems such as mandatory ID card or hospital card verification before patients particularly mothers and newborns are allowed to leave the premises. 

Such measures, he noted, would ensure that proper clearance has been granted and prevent unauthorized exits.

Mr. Appiah concluded that hospital authorities, institutional supervisors, and other stakeholders must act swiftly to strengthen policies and ensure that no one is allowed to compromise the safety and security of patients and staff.

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan