Nursing and Midwifery Council to question midwife over TikTok livestream

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has announced plans to summon a midwife for questioning following a controversial TikTok livestream that broadcast a distressed pregnant patient. The incident, which took place in a hospital setting, has sparked significant public outcry regarding the breach of professional ethics and patient confidentiality. Ministry of Health spokesperson Tony Goodman confirmed that the council will engage the professional next week to investigate the circumstances surrounding the broadcast.

The matter gained widespread attention after concerns were raised by members of the public, including Dickson Assan, who highlighted the inappropriate nature of the stream. During the live broadcast, viewers allegedly mocked the pregnant woman while she was in a vulnerable state, prompting a debate on the dehumanisation of patients for social media engagement. Critics have strongly condemned the act, maintaining that healthcare facilities must remain safe spaces where the dignity of every individual is respected and protected from digital exploitation.

This probe highlights broader concerns about the increasing use of social media by healthcare professionals in Ghana and the potential for such platforms to compromise patient privacy. Mr. Goodman emphasised the Ministry of Health's commitment to upholding strict standards of confidentiality, noting that patients are not content for social media reach. The NMC's inquiry next week is expected to determine the extent of the professional misconduct and establish whether the midwife violated the code of conduct governing nursing and midwifery practices in the country.