The Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG) has strongly condemned the assault of a midwife at Tema Community 22 Polyclinic on June 2, 2026, by a patient’s relative, an incident that highlights escalating safety concerns for healthcare professionals across the nation.
Context of the Attack
The UPNMG issued a statement on Friday, June 5, expressing outrage over the attack. The midwife was reportedly enforcing the polyclinic’s visiting hours policy, a standard procedure to manage patient care and facility operations, when the alleged assault occurred.
Union Outrage and Solidarity
In their statement, the UPNMG emphasized that healthcare workers must be able to perform their duties without facing violence, intimidation, or abuse. The union declared solidarity with the affected midwife and all nurses and midwives providing essential services under increasingly challenging conditions.
The organization stressed that violence against healthcare workers is unacceptable and undermines both the well-being of staff and the quality of patient care. Such attacks, the union warned, can disrupt healthcare delivery significantly.
Swift Response and Calls for Action
The UPNMG commended the management of Tema Community 22 Polyclinic and the Ghana Police Service for their prompt response, which included the arrest of the individual alleged to have committed the assault. This swift intervention helped restore order and underscored the importance of rapid responses to ensure healthcare worker safety.
Beyond condemnation, the union urged the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and healthcare facility managers nationwide to urgently review and strengthen security arrangements. Proposed measures include deploying adequate security personnel, improving access control, implementing effective emergency response protocols, and strictly enforcing staff protection policies.
Broader Concerns for Healthcare Worker Safety
The assault is symptomatic of a growing trend of violence against healthcare workers, a concern repeatedly raised by professional bodies and labor unions. Incidents of verbal abuse, threats, and physical attacks on medical personnel have become increasingly common in recent years.
The UPNMG called for the full prosecution of the case to serve as a strong deterrent, emphasizing that accountability is crucial for justice and to prevent future attacks.
Public Appeal and Future Advocacy
The union also appealed to patients, their relatives, and the public to treat healthcare workers with respect. They encouraged the use of established complaint resolution channels rather than resorting to confrontation or violence, noting that healthcare facilities have mechanisms to address concerns.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of its members, the UPNMG pledged to continue advocating for safer working environments and stronger protections for nurses and midwives across Ghana, vowing to defend their rights, safety, and dignity.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Protections
The incident at Tema Community 22 Polyclinic serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by frontline healthcare providers. The coming months will likely see increased pressure on health authorities and policymakers to implement and enforce robust security measures within health facilities. The effectiveness of these measures, alongside public engagement campaigns promoting respect for healthcare professionals, will be critical in ensuring a safe environment for those dedicated to providing care.
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