Ridge Hospital offers ¢5,000 compensation to family of 18-year-old boy

The Ridge Hospital has offered a 5,000 Ghana cedi compensation to the family of an 18-year-old boy who died after the doctor on duty refused him medical care.

Benjamin Amartey died on August 10, 2014 after he was turned away from the Ridge Hospital because the doctor on duty said he was tired.

The hospital after investigations accepted responsibility for the boy's death.

The family claims it spent some GHc16,000 on his funeral. But the hospital has made an offer of GHC 5,000 to the family.

Joshua Amartey, father of the deceased is unhappy at the hospital's decision.

"We are not happy at all about what is happening," he said.

He accused the hospital of cheating them, adding that the death of his son has plunged him into debt.

The Medical Director of the Ridge Hospital, Dr. Emmanuel Obeng Apori has however declined comment on the issue.

The Ridge hospital last month told Joy News it will submit its investigative report on the death of the 18-year-old to the Medical and Dental Council.

The report faulted the doctor who denied the deceased medical care.

But Dr. Apori claims the submission of the report to the Council is no longer necessary.

In a reaction, the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council, Dr. Eli Atikpui has expressed disappointment with the conduct of the hospital.

He told Beatrice Adu the posture of the Ridge Hospital is unfortunate.

"I find it quite unfortunate but I will only advise the parents to file a complaint with the Medical and Dental Council," he said.