By King Amoah.
A growing number of patients in the Ashanti region are abandoning traditional health facilities in favor of spiritual camps, citing a range of issues including perceived rudeness from health workers, financial constraints, and concerns about outdated medical equipment.
These allegations surfaced in recent interviews conducted by Yen.com.gh at the New Jerusalem Church Camp in Sokoban-Ampayoo, Kumasi, where renowned gospel singer Yaw Sarpong is currently receiving treatment.
Several individuals seeking treatment at the camp shared their experiences, detailing why they opted for spiritual healing over conventional medical care.
Elizabeth Among, suffering from swollen legs, recounted a particularly negative interaction with a nurse at a public health facility. “I was thirsty and when I asked the nurse on duty to buy me water, she scorned at me, making me feel shy.
In my opinion, I came to the realization that because she doesn’t own the facility, she takes little care for patients.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, Paul Adam, also at the New Jerusalem Chapel, explained that financial limitations played a significant role in his decision.
“Health facilities usually don’t accept agreement terms of payback after service but at the ordinary camps, management are ready to accept such terms, so why should I waste my time attending health facilities while I am financially handicapped?”
Akosua, a food vendor from Kumasi, highlighted the issue of alleged outdated equipment in many health facilities, particularly in rural areas, coupled with high medical costs.
“I believe seeking treatments at spiritual camps are normal,” she stated, adding that she believes the high rates charged by some hospitals often exacerbate illnesses.
Akosua suggested a potential solution: a system where health facilities could offer credit arrangements for clients with National Health Insurance coverage or those facing poverty.
She also advocated for stricter enforcement of respectful conduct towards patients and staff, and the replacement of outdated equipment to improve patient comfort and confidence in the healthcare system.
Bishop John Yaw Adu, founder of the New Jerusalem Church, addressed the reasons patients choose spiritual camps, emphasizing individual agency in healthcare decisions.
He argued that medical doctors are not equipped to handle cases with spiritual origins. “Medical doctors cannot treat cases that have spiritual background hence many prefer seeking treatments at Spiritual camps to health facilities.
I have worked for over 48 years as a healing Bishop who have gained popularity locally and beyond because of my healing powers from God.” Bishop Adu also cautioned the public to differentiate between genuine healers and those who are merely pretenders.
Dr. Jonas Opuni, a retired medical officer from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, acknowledged the complex factors driving patients towards spiritual camps. He cited poverty, lack of access to health facilities in rural areas, and fear as key reasons patients choose alternative treatments.
While Dr. Opuni did not condemn the activities of church camp healers, he urged the public to carefully consider their options and prioritize seeking appropriate medical care, particularly in emergencies, to ensure their safety.
This trend highlights a critical need to address the systemic issues within the healthcare system, including improving patient-staff relations, addressing financial barriers, and ensuring access to updated medical equipment and facilities, particularly in rural areas. Only then can the public regain trust in the healthcare system and prioritize seeking qualified medical attention when necessary.
