|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By Efua Nessa
The Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA) has announced that it will proceed with a strike starting May 4, 2026, following unsuccessful negotiations with the management of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital regarding unresolved operational and policy concerns.
In an interview with Eyewitness News on Thursday, April 30, KODA Secretary Dr. Joojo Nyamekye-Baidoo stated that the decision to strike was made as a last resort, after multiple meetings and written communications failed to bring about any resolution.
The primary issue, according to KODA, is the exclusion of Laboratory Physicians from the hospital’s Central Laboratory, a situation that has disrupted both clinical services and specialist medical training. The doctors have reportedly been denied access to the facility for years, and there have been reports of threats contributing to their absence.
Dr. Nyamekye-Baidoo emphasized that the situation had created significant operational inconsistencies, with the hospital having to rely on external laboratories, including the University of Ghana Medical School facility, for diagnostic services.
“Strike is the only option left,” Dr. Nyamekye-Baidoo said. “We’ve engaged management enough, but they have not responded in good faith.”
The strike, which is backed by the Ghana Medical Association, will begin with outpatient services and could extend to emergency and inpatient care if the issues remain unresolved. KODA’s demands include the immediate reinstatement of Laboratory Physicians and trainees to the Central Laboratory, unrestricted access to clinical systems, merit-based leadership in laboratory departments, independent validation of specialized test results, and a thorough investigation into the alleged threats against its members.
Additionally, KODA has rejected a proposed 24-hour specialist outpatient service policy, arguing that the current services already meet demand. They have raised concerns that expanding these services without additional staffing could stretch personnel and negatively affect patient care.
If the concerns are not addressed promptly, the strike could escalate, further impacting the hospital’s operations.