Accra Psychiatric Hospital records first COVID-19 case

The Accra Psychiatric Hospital has recorded first case of the novel coronavirus, Gossips24.com can report.

According to reports, the national treatment centre in Accra has refused to admit her because of her mental status.

The infected woman was admitted to the acute care ward of the government-run hospital on April 20, 2020 and developed symptoms within days.

She was tested for COVID-19 and transferred to an isolation unit on April 23, and her test was confirmed positive on April 27.

Human Rights Organization in a statement said; ”To prevent further infections, the government should immediately ensure that all psychiatric hospitals in the country test staff and patients, release as many patients as possible to avoid overcrowding, and ensure that staff and patients have adequate personal protective equipment”

After the woman’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis, the hospital attempted to transfer her to the COVID-19 treatment center, but the municipal authorities, who have to approve any such transfer, refused. 

Dr. Akwasi Osei, head of the Ghana Mental Health Authority, said they refused because she was a mental health patient.

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