Features
Christmas and socio-economic growth
The season of Christmas is celebrated every year to signify peace, joy and prosperity for all men on earth. It is celebrated by Christians and non-Christians, making it one of the greatest events celebrated by everyone in the world.
The celebration of Christmas begins a few days before the actual event on December 25 when various preparations are made to get inputs for the celebration.
PLANS AND PREPARATIONS
During this preparation, plans are put in place to ensure that the celebration takes place in a peaceful and cordial manner. This is not only examined from the Christian perspective but from the perspective of non-Christians as well. The normal practice is to see people celebrating the occasion in joy and extending goodwill and happiness to people around them.
RELIGIOUS IN KIND
It must be noted, however, that Christmas is religious in kind because Christians believe that the Saviour of the world came to mankind to save him from misery and bring joy and happiness to mankind. Having celebrated Christmas for a long time, it will be difficult for this occasion to be wiped off, meaning that as a festival it ought to be celebrated in the expected religious way. The expected religious way is that man did not come into the world by chance but was created by God to enable him remember his Creator at all times. The Creator, therefore, brought His son to bring salvation to mankind irrespective of where they find themselves in the world. Christmas is, therefore, a season for peace and unity aimed at bringing together people who will unite and build societies in a positive manner for the good of mankind. The season signifies peace at all times that is why it must be marked by peaceful activities that ensure peace prevails in all communities, nations and the world as a whole.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT
One essential ingredient is unity so individuals are expected to show respect towards one another recognise their differences and misunderstandings as well as work towards improving upon relationship with one another in order to be able to live in harmony.
The purpose of the religious significance of Christmas is to bring together people in this way for them to show love towards one another and also live in peace irrespective of ethnicity, creed, race, colour and other beliefs.
For a nation like Ghana, the various political parties, individuals and interest groups are expected to work together in a meaningful manner so that national aspirations and development can be achieved within a very short time.
CHALLENGES
The world today is going through various challenges and so political actors and interest groups are expected to show respect towards one another, accommodate one another in terms of differences in views, and be prepared to cope with another for the common good.
National development brings on board the attainment of aspirations reflecting on every individual mind which can be galvanised together to push the entire nation forward and achieve the ultimate goal of all in terms of progress, development, prosperity, peace and better life.
The common interest of Ghanaians ought to be pursued in a positive way to bring about the kind of transformation needed for all Ghanaians to realise that, indeed, the country has been able to come together through and beyond the Christmas season in attaining what it has achieved for the good of all.
SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRISTMAS
Christmas, therefore, signifies peace and must be celebrated as such, avoiding needless merrymaking that will put lives in trouble or endanger properties in society. Similarly, goodwill messages must be genuine and extended to all irrespective of religious affiliation or beliefs so that mankind will embrace individuals in society and make them happy for our common national development in line with the purpose of Christmas.
As an occasion celebrated from time to time, the season of Christmas is celebrated to enable people make merry, sometimes forgetting about the religious significance of the occasion and its purpose for mankind. Christmas reflects the birth and purpose of Christ who came to save mankind and extend happiness and joy to every part of the world.
Many people take advantage of the season to organise transactions and economic activities that give them substantial rates of profit. Profit making here should not be condemned but it should be reasonable so that friends and neighbours cannot be seen to be over exploited. It is equally important for us to pay attention to the kinds or types of goods that are bought from the market. If Christmas is an occasion for peace and happiness, then people must refrain from exploitation of one another through deceitful transactions aimed at profiteering.
The quality of products and services offered for sale must be thoroughly examined so that only the best can be given out to customers who come into the market to buy to satisfy their needs. If the quality of products is satisfactory, the end result will be good for all and people shall celebrate the season without falling sick, or injuring themselves.
Good items offered for sale must be of high quality so that injuries to the body can be avoided. This way, we would be able to save money that otherwise would have been used into many forms of medication for the medical care of people who become subjected to injuries.
Similarly, non-food item such as electrical gadgets, clothing, leather materials and so on must also be made to go by standards and quality so that avoidable injuries will not be encountered before, during, and after the season. Furthermore, driving on the roads must be done with care to avoid needless accidents.
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it unpleasant conditions to all parts of the world including Ghana. As we speak today, the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections has been detected at Kotoka International Airport in Ghana so we expect the health authorities to be up and doing as they have always done so as to be able to cater for the people of this country.
While the health authorities are working hard to monitor the situation and bring it under control, we expect each and everyone in the country to play his or her part in ensuring that we all keep to the COVID-19 prevention safety protocols.
The safety protocols include regular wearing of nose masks, avoiding overcrowding in places while keeping to social distancing during events. It is equally important to pay attention to regular washing of hands, use of alcohol based sanitisers and keeping to general safety protocols as announced by government and health authorities. If these measures are rigidly kept by individuals and also enforced by the authorities, it will make it possible for people in this country to live meaningful lives before, during and after the Christmas season.
It is also important for everyone to get vaccinated so that when the enforcement of the vaccination order begins early next year, we would all be able to show evidence of compliance. If we all come together with this common understanding, the country will move forward in great leaps and bounds for the good of everyone.
There is no doubt that the Christmas season provides for countries and communities to undertake various socio- economic activities that help to promote the welfare of their people. This ensures the dignity of quality life to everyone in the country or community.
This is pleasant socio- economic development that must be encouraged everywhere in Ghana and elsewhere.
Examples include improvement in the health sector, successful fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, quality life and unity as well as respect for one another and general progress in society.
This is what Ghana needs as a country to progress to the next level.
Contact email/ahatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
Features
The global challenge of medical malpractice
Introduction
Medical malpractice is a significant concern worldwide, with far-reaching consequences for patients, healthcare providers, and the overall healthcare system.
It is defined as a deviation from the standard of care that results in patient harm, and can take many forms, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and inadequate patient care.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the issues surrounding medical malpractice, its consequences, and potential solutions.
The prevalence of
medical malpractice.
Medical malpractice is a widespread problem that affects patients in many countries. According to a study published in the Journal of Patient Safety, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in an estimated 251,000 deaths per year. Similarly, a study published in the British Medical Journal found that medical errors are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK.
Types of medical
malpractice
Medical malpractice can take many forms, including:
1. Misdiagnosis: Failure to accurately diagnose a patient’s condition, leading to delayed or inappropriate treatment.
2. Surgical errors: Mistakes made during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving instruments inside a patient.
3. Medication errors: Prescribing or administering the wrong medication, dose, or route of administration.
4. Inadequate patient care: Failure to provide adequate care, including neglecting to monitor patients, provide necessary treatment, or respond to patient concerns.
Consequences of medical malpractice:
Medical malpractice can have severe consequences for patients, including:
1. Physical harm: Patients may experience pain, suffering, and long-term health consequences.
2. Emotional trauma: Patients and their families may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
3. Financial burden: Patients may incur significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs.
Solutions to medical malpractice:
To address the issue of medical malpractice, many countries have implemented reforms aimed at reducing the number of claims and improving patient safety. Some potential solutions include:
1. Tort reform: Limiting the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice cases.
2. Alternative dispute resolution: Using mediation or arbitration to resolve disputes outside of court.
3. Communication and Resolution Programs (CRPs): Encouraging open communication between healthcare providers and patients, and providing fair compensation for injuries.
Conclusion
Medical malpractice is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address.
By understanding the prevalence, types, and consequences of medical malpractice, we can work towards creating a safer and more compassionate healthcare system.
Potential solutions, such as tort reform, alternative dispute resolution, and CRPs, offer promising approaches to reducing medical malpractice claims and improving patient safety.
References:
[1] Makary, M. A., & Daniel, M. (2016). Medical error—the third leading cause of death in the US. BMJ, 353, i2139.
[2] Vincent, C., Neale, G., & Woloshynowych, M. (2001). Adverse events in British hospitals: preliminary retrospective record review. BMJ, 322(7285), 517-519.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
Life is like a quiz competition
I watched a quiz show on TV last Sunday, between two schools, Okuapeman and I think University Practice. After the first round, University Practice was leading with about 30 points and Okuapeman had nothing.
Then comes the second round of the intended four rounds of competition and at the end of the round, surprise, surprise, Okuapeman had 60 points and University Practice had either zero or 10.
In the final analysis, Okuapeman won the competition with 95 points to University Practice’s 90 or 93 points. Such is life and the mysteries of life, are difficult to fathom.
There are classmates that we thought could not amount to much in life and yet we become pleasantly surprised as time passed, about the vast improvement in their lives.
There were other mates who were obviously destined for the top, based on their academic prowess but became complete failures later on in life.
When I was in the primary school, there was a classmate who most of the time came first in the end of term exams. He was very brilliant and so he going further up the academic ladder through Secondary school, Sixth form and ending up at the University was a forgone conclusion.
However, life’s mystery set in and he ended up as a teacher in a technical school owned by his brother-in-law. He did not amount to much, became an alcoholic and eventually passed away.
The day I heard that he had passed away and his general circumstances, I felt so sad. Such is life and sometimes it is like the quiz competition I witnessed, full of uncertainties.
There was another senior in Middle School, who also was very brilliant. In fact he got a score of 254 out of 300 in the Common Entrance Examination. Many years later, in my early years at the University, I met this guy at the Tarkwa Train Station and got the shock of my life. This guy was wearing a dirty, loosely fitting singlet and his state was pitiful.
Naturally after expressing pleasantries, I asked him what he was doing in Tarkwa after telling him that I was a student at the university. He then narrated how he was dismissed from the most prestigious Secondary School in the Kwahu area after some smoking and going out without exeat issue.
He further indicated that as a result, he was then hustling and doing Galamsey to make ends meet. I would have had a hard time believing that he was doing Galamsey and not working in a reputable organisation or institution if it was told me by someone. Indeed life can sometimes be like a quiz competition, if God is not involved.
Since we are not God and therefore do not have knowledge of what the future holds, we need to treat people who come across our paths well because you never know.
When I went for the funeral of one of my aunties, on my father side, with my SUV many years ago, a lot of my relatives were surprised because they never imagined that.
When it comes to say wealth, it has nothing to do with one’s academic qualifications. We have some of the wealthiest people who were school dropouts and so we need to be careful how we treat people, because life is like a quiz competition and you never know until the competition comes to an end.
I have seen someone who was not that nice looking, the nose being flat and all, and then 12 years later, such a huge natural transformation; so never write anybody off, because life is like a quiz competition. God bless.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
