The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has made a bold move by banning all washroom fees in hospitals and clinics under its jurisdiction. This directive, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at protecting the dignity of patients and enhancing sanitation standards across health facilities in the country.
Recent complaints from the public revealed that some health institutions were charging patients and visitors between GH¢0.50 and GH¢2 to use their washrooms. This sparked widespread criticism and raised accessibility concerns, especially for low-income families and patients in critical condition. The GHS, responding to the outcry, has labelled this practice as exploitative and unacceptable within any healthcare environment.
In a formal circular dated 16 April 2025, Acting Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, instructed all Regional Directors to ensure full compliance with the ban. According to the circular, the collection of washroom fees is not only unethical but also detrimental to the image of public healthcare delivery. It further warned that facility heads who fail to implement the directive will face disciplinary action.
The circular underscored the importance of maintaining clean, functional, and accessible washrooms in hospitals, linking it directly to infection control and the overall perception of care quality. Prof. Akoriyea emphasised that restrooms should always be hygienic and welcoming to protect public health and improve patient satisfaction.
The GHS also pointed out that poor sanitation facilities in hospitals could contribute to the spread of infections and diminish the standard of care. By removing washroom fees, the Service hopes to reinforce a more compassionate and patient-centred approach to healthcare.
This initiative is being seen as a significant step toward restoring confidence in public healthcare and addressing some of the long-standing issues that patients face. For many Ghanaians, visiting the hospital is already a financial strain, and being charged just to use a basic facility like a toilet adds to the burden. The ban will especially benefit patients who spend extended periods in the hospital and cannot afford frequent charges.
Regional Directors have been urged to disseminate the information to all facility heads and ensure strict adherence to the policy. The GHS has assured the public of its commitment to enforcing this directive without delay.
This move has been welcomed by many citizens, health advocates, and civil society organisations who have long campaigned for better sanitation standards in healthcare settings. It also reflects the GHS’s growing focus on accountability, patient rights, and service quality.
As the implementation begins, attention now turns to how hospitals will ensure their washrooms remain well-maintained without relying on user fees. The GHS is expected to provide further guidance on sustainable ways to fund the cleaning and maintenance of these facilities, possibly through internal budgeting or government support.
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