GACRA honours compassionate anaesthetist after life-saving act
A Ghanaian anaesthetist has been formally recognised for a humanitarian act that went beyond the walls of the operating room. Miss Harriet Oteng, a Principal Certified Registered Anaesthetist, received an award at the 7th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Session of the Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anaesthetists (GACRA) in Sunyani, Bono Region, marking a standout moment in the country’s health sector.
The events that led to the recognition
The recognition stems from a widely shared Ghana News Agency (GNA) report detailing how Miss Oteng responded to a medical emergency at Ada Kasseh Market. A pregnant woman, Madam Grace Siawu, collapsed in a busy market area, and emergency response was crucial. Oteng reportedly acted swiftly, applying life-saving measures, ensuring the safety of the mother, and personally transporting her to a hospital for further care. That same day, Madam Siawu delivered a healthy baby boy, a testament to timely intervention.
Immediate action in a public space
Public emergencies demand calm, clinical judgment, and decisive action. In this case, Oteng’s actions reflected the highest standards of anaesthesia practice—prioritising airway management, circulation, and rapid coordination with emergency services and hospital staff. The episode illustrates how medical professionals can make an impact beyond hospital corridors when compassion and professional duty intersect in real-world settings.
Recognition and reaction from the health community
At the GACRA gathering in Sunyani, Oteng received a formal citation for her humane conduct. Speaking to GNA after the ceremony, she described the moment as emotionally overwhelming and unexpected. She emphasised that her decision to help was rooted in humanity, not in seeking accolades. The award, she said, underscores a broader message: kindness remains essential in healthcare and can save lives far from traditional clinical environments.
Enduring impact on professional ethos
Oteng’s experience resonates with health workers across Ghana who balance technical expertise with empathy. The Bono Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Kofi Amo-Kodieh, publicly commended her during the event, highlighting a workforce committed to compassionate care even in high-pressure situations. Oteng also expressed gratitude to GACRA’s leadership, noting that the recognition reinforces the importance of patient-centred care as a professional standard rather than a one-off act.
What this means for frontline healthcare
The incident demonstrates that lifesaving interventions can begin in market squares, school grounds, or community centers. It challenges healthcare professionals to remain vigilant, prepared, and ready to extend professional duties beyond the hospital setting. For patients and families, such acts deepen trust in the medical profession and reaffirm the public’s belief that clinicians are dedicated to preserving life in its most vulnerable moments.
A reminder to serve with humanity
Miss Oteng’s message—“I did what I did purely out of humanity, not for recognition”—serves as a guiding principle for current and aspiring anaesthetists. Her story invites health workers to uphold professionalism, exhibit empathy, and continually place patient welfare at the center of every action. The GNA report and subsequent GACRA recognition together highlight how individual compassion can become a beacon for an entire profession.
Looking ahead
As Oteng returns to her duties, the broader healthcare community can draw inspiration from her example. Her acknowledgment by GACRA may serve as a catalyst for more open conversations about the role of kindness in clinical care, the practical realities of public health emergencies, and the ongoing need to support frontline professionals who extend their services beyond the operating theatre. In Ghana’s evolving health landscape, acts like hers illustrate that humane, patient-focused care remains a vital component of high-quality medical practice.
