The Medical and Dental Council has raised serious concerns over the growing number of Ghanaian doctors suffering from psychiatric disorders and substance abuse, warning of potential risks to both practitioners and patient safety.
Registrar of the Council, Dr. Divine Banyubala, revealed that approximately 30% of the affected medical professionals are dealing with schizophrenia, while others suffer from depression and various personality disorders.
Equally troubling is the prevalence of substance addiction, with some doctors misusing drugs such as tramadol, morphine, pethidine, and heroin—often combining multiple substances.
“Many of them are facing mental health challenges. Around 30% are affected by schizophrenia, and others are struggling with personality disorders, depression, or substance abuse,” Dr. Banyubala stated.
To tackle the issue, the Council has established a Practice Committee that operates through a Health Assessment Panel composed of senior medical professionals. This panel evaluates practitioners’ conditions and recommends appropriate interventions.
Dr. Banyubala noted that early treatment has proven effective in most cases, with about 80% of affected doctors making a full recovery and returning to practice.
“The encouraging part is that early intervention works—around 80% can fully recover. However, there are some whose conditions are too advanced, and unfortunately, they may never return to the profession,” he explained.
Doctors who refuse treatment or are deemed unfit to practice have their licenses suspended until they are medically cleared to resume their duties.
The Council emphasized that this dual approach seeks to rehabilitate affected practitioners while prioritizing patient safety and upholding the standards of the medical profession.
