GACRA Recognises Humanitarian Heroism in Healthcare
The Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anaesthetists (GACRA) has formally honoured Miss Harriet Oteng, a Principal Certified Registered Anaesthetist, for an act of compassion that transcended the hospital walls. The recognition follows a Ghana News Agency (GNA) report detailing how Oteng rapidly assisted a pregnant woman who collapsed at Ada Kasseh Market, ultimately saving two lives that day.
The Moment That Sparked Widespread Admiration
According to sources, the incident began when a pregnant woman, Madam Grace Siawu, suddenly collapsed in the busy Ada Kasseh Market. Demonstrating composure and clinical skill, Oteng rushed to the scene, performed essential first aid, and ensured the patient’s safety. She didn’t stop there; Oteng personally transported Madam Siawu to a hospital where, later that day, she delivered a healthy baby boy. The quick actions of a trained professional at a public place underscored the critical role of humanitarian care in emergency medicine.
The Recognition and Its Significance
Oteng’s story went viral after the GNA published it, drawing praise from medical professionals and the public alike. At the 7th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Session in Sunyani, in the Bono Region, GACRA honoured her with a formal citation. Speaking to the GNA after the ceremony, Oteng described the moment as overwhelming and unexpected, emphasizing that the award reflects more on the ethos of care than personal achievement.
Oteng’s Words: Humility and a Call to Service
“I was full of mixed feelings because I least expected it,” Oteng recalled. She credited the Bono Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Kofi Amo-Kodieh, who publicly praised the clinicians who serve with compassion. The anaesthetist, who has practiced for 13 years, said the recognition resonates with the daily mission of health workers who extend their help beyond the hospital doors.
A Message for Health Professionals and the Public
Oteng urged fellow health workers to remain available to people in need, highlighting that professionalism and empathy are essential components of effective care. Her remarks served as a reminder that kindness still matters in healthcare and that lifesaving work often begins in everyday spaces, not just in operating theatres. The event also highlighted the importance of public recognition in motivating healthcare professionals who operate with quiet dedication.
Looking Forward: A Standard for Compassionate Care
The GACRA ceremony in Sunyani showcased a broader commitment within Ghana’s medical community to acknowledge acts of humanity that improve patient outcomes. Oteng’s case is expected to inspire young clinicians to prioritize humane, patient-centered approaches, reinforcing that clinical excellence goes hand in hand with compassion. The acknowledgement also provides a platform for ongoing dialogue about training, ethics, and support for healthcare workers who perform under pressure in public settings.
About the Inspiring Moment
The Ada Kasseh Market episode demonstrates that decisive action by healthcare professionals can dramatically alter outcomes, even outside formal medical environments. It spotlights the essential role of anaesthetists and other frontline clinicians in emergency response—where every second counts and empathy can save lives. Miss Oteng’s story stands as a testament to the humane heart at the core of modern medicine.
