Almost two weeks after the report on the alleged rape of a patient attendant by an anesthetic technician with the national referral hospital emerged, the health ministry today issued a news release condemning the act of the accused.
“The Ministry of Health is saddened by the unfortunate incident where an Anesthetic Technician at the JDWNRH had indulged in an improper and illegal medical practice by drugging and then sexually assaulting a patient attendant,” the release stated.
The ministry also extended its sincere condolences to the victim and families and conveyed its sympathy to the victim.
“The ministry is extending necessary support to the innocent victim of this hideous act and also comforting the family members of the perpetrator,” the release added.
It goes on to further state that the gruesome and extremely unpleasant incident happened in a setting that is regarded as the place for healing and wellbeing and among the comity of professionals who are known to put their personal wellbeing and comforts aside to serve people who are in dire need of medical help.
“As for the said Anesthetic Technician, there is now not an inch of doubt that he has breached the code and the ethical norms that a medical practitioner should strictly and unwaveringly abide by. There is also no doubt that he will now face the due process of law for this unfathomable misconduct,” the ministry stated.
It said the technician has not only harmed his own repute but also dented the image of the country’s health system.
To avoid such incidence in future, the ministry says necessary Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) and framework will be developed for strict compliance by all health workers.
