Who is a Stomach & Digestive Doctor?
A Stomach & Digestive Doctor (Gastroenterologist) is a specialist who looks after the health of your digestive system — from your mouth and stomach all the way to your intestines and liver. They diagnose and treat conditions like stomach ulcers, persistent diarrhoea, acid reflux, hepatitis, and bowel problems that are common across Ghana and West Africa. If you have ongoing stomach pain, bloating, or any digestive complaint that is not getting better, a Gastroenterologist is the right doctor to see.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Stomach & Digestive Doctor
When to See a Stomach & Digestive Doctor
You should consider booking an consultation if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or conditions:
- Persistent stomach pain or cramps that do not go away
- Frequent heartburn or a burning feeling in your chest after eating
- Ongoing diarrhoea or loose stools lasting more than two weeks
- Blood in your stool or very dark, tarry stools
- Unexplained weight loss without trying to lose weight
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Severe bloating or a swollen belly that does not improve
- A known diagnosis of hepatitis B or C that needs specialist monitoring
Conditions Treated
Common conditions that a Stomach & Digestive Doctor can diagnose, manage, or treat:
Vomiting
Types of Stomach & Digestive Doctor Specialists
Hepatology (Liver Care)
Focuses on diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, including hepatitis B and C, which are common in West Africa.
Endoscopy
Uses a thin, flexible camera to look inside the stomach and intestines to find and treat problems like ulcers or bleeding.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Cares for people with long-term inflammation of the gut, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which cause pain and diarrhoea.
Colorectal Health
Deals with conditions affecting the colon and rectum, including polyps, colorectal cancer, and haemorrhoids.
Acid Reflux & Swallowing Disorders
Treats problems with the food pipe (oesophagus), such as heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing.
Pancreatic & Biliary Disorders
Manages diseases of the pancreas and bile ducts, including pancreatitis and gallstones, which can cause severe stomach pain.
Gut Infections & Parasites
Diagnoses and treats infections of the digestive system caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites — conditions that are particularly prevalent in West Africa.
Nutrition & Digestive Health
Helps patients whose digestive problems affect how their body absorbs food and nutrients, leading to weight loss or malnutrition.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
At your first visit, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms, how long you have had them, your diet, and any medicines you are taking — so try to come prepared with that information. They will gently examine your abdomen and may request blood tests, a stool test, or an ultrasound scan to better understand what is going on. You do not need to be nervous — the doctor is there to help you feel better, and they will explain every step before anything is done.
Training & Education Credentials
A Gastroenterologist first completes a medical degree (MBChB) followed by several years of general medical training and then a specialist residency programme focused on digestive diseases. They are typically certified by the West African College of Physicians (WACP) or the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS), which ensures they have met the required standards to practise as a specialist in Ghana and West Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to see a stomach doctor in Ghana?
The cost of seeing a gastroenterologist in Ghana varies depending on whether you visit a public or private hospital. At public hospitals, consultation fees are generally lower, often between GHS 50–200, while private clinics may charge more. Some health insurance schemes like NHIS may cover part of the cost, so check with your provider before your visit.
What should I bring to my first appointment with a stomach doctor?
Bring any previous medical records, lab results, or scan reports related to your stomach or digestive problems. If you are on any medications, carry them along or write down their names and doses. Your NHIS card or any health insurance documents should also come with you.
How do I prepare for a stomach or digestive check-up?
Your doctor may ask you to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before certain tests, such as an endoscopy or ultrasound. Try to write down your symptoms beforehand — when they started, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse. Avoid taking antacids or painkillers right before your visit unless your doctor says it is okay.
When should I go to the hospital urgently for a stomach problem?
Go to the hospital right away if you have severe stomach pain that does not go away, are vomiting blood, or notice blood in your stool. Sudden weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or a swollen belly that appears quickly are also warning signs that need urgent attention. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if any of these happen — go to the nearest emergency unit.
Do I need a referral to see a gastroenterologist, or can I go directly?
In most public hospitals in Ghana and West Africa, you will need a referral from a general doctor or your primary care provider before seeing a specialist like a gastroenterologist. At private hospitals or clinics, you can often book an appointment directly without a referral. If you are unsure, call the hospital ahead of time to find out their process.
Book a Stomach & Digestive Doctor
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Available Stomach & Digestive Doctors
Schedule visits with these verified medical providers:
Dr. Mary Yeboah Afihene
Stomach & Digestive Doctor
Dr. Mary Kormley Yeboah Afihene is a Gastroenterologist and Educator. She obtained her medical degree from the School of Medical Sciences, KNUST in 1985. Her Fellowship and Gastroenterology training was at the West African College of Physicians. Until her retirement in 2018 Mary was a Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, KNUST and Honorary Consultant Gastroenterologist at KATH. She was the Head of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit and helped to establish the GIT/Hepatology Clinic and Endoscopy Unit of KATH. She is a founding member of Ghana Association for the Study of Liver and Digestive Diseases and was President for 4 years. Mary has authored and co-authored a number of journal articles on gastrointestinal and liver diseases. She has served on several scientific advisory boards and committees. She was also part of the committee for the development of the National Viral Hepatitis Treatment Guidelines for Ghana. Mary has passion for education, training, research and excellent clinical care. She now works as a Part Time Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD), (KNUST) and Consultant Gastroenterologist at Signetcare Medical Services. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Gut and Liver Foundation; an NGO which she started with the mission to provide education, training, research, advocacy, awareness creation of digestive and liver diseases, and also to enhance prevention and provision of care to people with the diseases.
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