Denis Opudo
John Kotey is a STEM Enthusiast and a co-founder of Nsesa Foundation. He is also a Systems Entrepreneur and an active citizen. He plays a critical role in Project iSWEST innovation. The initiative provides inspiration for innovation revolution in Africa. The organization uses Smartphone learning platforms and high school boot-camps. Mr. John is also a professional writer. He contributes in many fields like political accountability, national building, and entrepreneurship. He often embraces the role of entrepreneurship in solving problems facing Africa. In one of his writings, he explained the negligence of health staffs. He narrated the health sector crisis caused by trained doctors and nurses.
In one occasion, he took his mother to the Hospital in Ghana some years back when she was bitten by a snake. The doctors and nurses on duty did not prescribe anti-snake serum. They instead prescribed an anti-malarial drug. He cautioned them about the drug but they said the hospital lacked anti-serum snake serum. He moved to many hospitals looking for the drug which he obtained at Adabraka Polyclinic. When he came back to Ridge hospital 15 hours later, the doctors had administered drug already. The pharmacist told him that Ridge hospital is the hub store for anti-snake serum. The hospital serves both Ghana and West Africa. He noted that his mother only survived by the grace of God.
In the same night, three patients died in his mother’s ward. One patient in ICU had run out of oxygen while all night duty nurses were deep asleep. The second patient fell off from his bed and died on the spot. The nurses refused to help him until he passed on. John caused a commotion in the hospital the following morning. He promised to install a camera in the common area to prevent them from sleeping.
Most Africa doctors and nurses pursue the profession due to family pressure and high pay. Some of them lack passion and commitment to save patients’ lives. It is high time that such kind of doctors needs to be accountable for their mischief. They cause the demise of thousands of people across the continent. Mr. John suggested taking the camera of negligent doctors and nurses using phones. The cameras will act as an evidence to convict them in court. Sharing these images via social media will make them alert while on their duties as well.
