The Medical and Dental Council has revealed that a significant number of Ghanaian doctors are battling psychiatric conditions and substance abuse, raising concerns about their well-being and the safety of patients.
According to the Council’s Registrar, Dr Divine Banyubala, about 30% of affected practitioners are struggling with schizophrenia, while others are dealing with personality disorders and depression.
A worrying number are also battling addictions to substances such as tramadol, morphine, pethidine, and heroin, with some engaging in multiple drug use.
“A lot of them have psychiatric conditions. About 30% are struggling with schizophrenia, others have personality disorders, depression, or substance abuse and addiction issues,” Dr Banyubala disclosed.
To address the situation, he said the Council has set up a Practice Committee, which works through a Health Assessment Panel made up of senior medical professionals. The panel evaluates affected practitioners and recommends appropriate interventions.
Dr Banyubala noted that early intervention has been highly effective, allowing many practitioners to recover and return to work.
“The good news is that with early treatment, about 80% can return to full functioning. Unfortunately, a few are too far gone and can never come back—they are beyond redemption,” he explained.
He added that doctors who fail to comply with treatment or are deemed unfit to practice have their licenses suspended until they fully recover and can safely resume their duties.
The Council emphasised that this approach aims to rehabilitate struggling practitioners while protecting patients and safeguarding the integrity of the medical profession.