Minister describes KATH strike as unfortunate, defends CEO suspension
The Ministry of Health has described as unfortunate the strike action embarked upon by doctors and nurses at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) following the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo.
It said the decision to suspend Dr Baidoo was an administrative measure aimed at ensuring accountability, patient safety and adherence to established procedures within the health sector.
A statement issued by the Ministry and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Monday explained that the suspension stemmed from the public announcement of the cessation of admissions at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre.
The move, the Ministry said, was inconsistent with a directive by President John Dramani Mahama that all public health facilities must continue to provide emergency care and not turn away patients under any circumstances.
The Ministry clarified that the suspension had nothing to do with internal arrangements between KATH and the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, adding that Dr Baidoo had only been suspended from his role as CEO and not as a medical officer of the hospital.
“The suspension of the CEO is, therefore, an administrative measure intended to facilitate an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the closure and provide remedies going forward,” the statement said.
It expressed concern that the decision to announce the closure of the Accident and Emergency Centre was taken without prior authorisation from the KATH Board and the Ministry of Health.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by healthcare workers, the Ministry urged the doctors and nurses to utilise dialogue and established dispute resolution mechanisms in addressing their grievances.
It stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that concerns were addressed promptly and fairly while safeguarding uninterrupted healthcare delivery to the public.
The statement noted that the action against the CEO was not intended to punish efforts aimed at protecting patients but rather to promote accountability, effective communication and compliance with national health policies and directives.
The Ministry further recognised the longstanding operational challenges facing the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre, noting that management had a responsibility to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
However, it maintained that decisions with significant implications for emergency healthcare delivery at a major tertiary referral facility such as KATH must follow established protocols and be coordinated with the Ministry and other relevant authorities.
The statement highlighted several interventions currently being undertaken to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
These include the retooling of major hospitals, the introduction of a National Bed Management System to improve patient referrals and bed allocation, and preparations towards operationalising the National Emergency Centre at Burma Camp.
Other initiatives include efforts to complete selected Agenda 111 hospital projects, the establishment of cardiac catheterisation laboratories at KATH, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital, as well as advanced plans to establish a National Accident and Emergency Centre in Accra.
On the Sewua Hospital Project, the Ministry said work was progressing steadily and the facility was expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
The Ministry assured the public that concerns raised by doctors and nurses at KATH were receiving urgent attention from the Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintahh Akandoh.
It said the Ghana Health Service had been directed to implement immediate measures to ensure continued access to emergency healthcare services while engagements with the striking health professionals continued.
The statement reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to patient welfare and the wellbeing of healthcare workers, and urged all affected staff to reconsider their decision and resume work in the interest of patients and the public.
Source: GNA