Recognition for a Compassionate Act Goes Beyond the Hospital
In a heartening display of professional compassion, Miss Harriet Oteng, a Principal Certified Registered Anaesthetist, was formally honoured by the Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anaesthetists (GACRA). The tribute, announced during GACRA’s 7th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Session in Sunyani, Bono Region, from October 14 to 17, 2025, follows a Ghana News Agency (GNA) publication that highlighted her humanitarian act at the Ada Kasseh Market.
The story that captured national attention centered on a life-saving moment in which Miss Oteng rushed to assist a pregnant woman who suddenly collapsed at the Ada Kasseh Market. Demonstrating swift clinical judgment, she resuscitated the woman, ensured her safety on-site, and personally transported her to a hospital. The outcome was a healthy delivery: the patient, identified as Madam Grace Siawu, delivered a baby boy on the same day.
The GNA report not only showcased clinical prowess but also underscored a core value in healthcare: the willingness to go beyond call of duty to protect life and dignity in every setting, not just inside hospital walls. The viral circulation of the piece amplified public awareness of the essential role that anesthetists and other frontline professionals play in emergencies.
The Honour and its Significance
At the Sunyani gathering, GACRA publicly recognised Miss Oteng for embodying the humanitarian ideals that many health workers strive to uphold. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency after receiving her citation, she described the moment as overwhelming and unexpected. “I was full of mixed feelings because I least expected it,” she said, her humility evident even as her actions were celebrated nationwide.
Dr Kofi Amo-Kodieh, the Bono Regional Director of Health Services, joined the applause, noting with admiration that there are health professionals who carry out their duties with genuine compassion and humanity. His remarks reflected a broader sentiment in the health sector: patient care extends beyond clinical interventions and includes empathy, accessibility, and timely action for vulnerable individuals in all environments.
A Long-Standing Commitment to Service
Miss Oteng’s recognition is especially meaningful given her 13-year career as an anaesthetist. She emphasized that her actions were rooted in humanity rather than the pursuit of accolades. “I did what I did purely out of humanity, not for recognition. But this gesture encourages me to continue serving with love and dedication,” she told GNA reporters.
The incident at Ada Kasseh Market also serves as a reminder of the crucial role that health professionals play in emergency response, often in settings far from hospitals. Miss Oteng urged her colleagues in the medical field to remain available and vigilant in serving others, while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and empathy wherever they practice.
What This Means for Public Perception of Healthcare
Stories like Miss Oteng’s resonate beyond medical circles. They highlight how quick thinking, technical skill, and compassionate action can alter life trajectories in a single moment. When a health professional is recognised publicly for such acts, it reinforces trust in the health system and inspires others to incorporate humanity into their everyday work. In a time when healthcare faces numerous challenges, personal narratives of kindness offer a counterpoint—one that celebrates the human face of medicine.
Continuing the Conversation
As Ghana continues to celebrate healthcare workers who demonstrate excellence in clinical care and humanity, Miss Oteng’s example may encourage more professionals to integrate empathy into their practice—especially in high-pressure environments where the stakes are exceptionally high. The GACRA’s decision to honour her at its annual meeting signals a broader commitment to recognize not only technical skill but the compassionate application of that skill in real-world situations.
Ultimately, Miss Oteng’s story is a testament to the idea that saving lives extends beyond hospital corridors. It is a call to action for all health workers to remain present to the needs of every person they encounter, no matter where they find themselves.
