The Korle-Bu Doctors Association (KODA) has raised concerns over worsening conditions at the Accident and Emergency Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), citing overcrowding, patient safety risks, and growing medico-legal challenges.

In a press statement, KODA said recent administrative directives have led to a surge in patient admissions that exceed the department’s physical and human resource capacity.

The association noted that while doctors remain committed to the “no bed” policy of not turning away emergency cases, the situation has forced healthcare workers to provide care in non-ideal conditions.

Key Concerns

KODA outlined several issues affecting service delivery:

- Patient Safety: Overcrowding is compromising infection control, delaying critical interventions, and increasing the risk of medical errors.

- Medicolegal Risks: Treating patients on the floor, in chairs, or in hallways exposes doctors to legal liability in the event of adverse outcomes.

- Staff Welfare: The conditions are leading to burnout, physical exhaustion, and mental strain among healthcare workers.

- Occupational Hazards: Doctors and staff face physical strain, including potential spinal injuries from bending or squatting to treat patients on the floor.

Minister’s Visit

KODA also addressed a recent visit by the Minister of Health to the emergency unit on March 21, 2026, which followed a viral video showing patients being treated on chairs and on the floor.

According to the association, the conditions observed during the visit did not reflect the usual situation at the facility.

KODA stated that it is standard practice to prepare for such visits, including rearranging the environment and improving appearances temporarily. It stressed that acknowledging the actual situation is necessary for addressing the problem.

Systemic Challenges

The association said the “no bed syndrome” goes beyond space constraints, noting that even an increase in bed capacity would not immediately resolve the issue due to limited healthcare personnel.

It further highlighted challenges with the referral system, stating that many lower-level facilities lack the capacity to manage cases and continue to refer patients to Korle-Bu. As a result, any additional capacity at the hospital is quickly overwhelmed.

KODA also called on the Ministry of Health and hospital management to take responsibility for the situation rather than shifting blame.

Directives to Members

In response to the situation, KODA urged its members to adhere to strict professional protocols, including:

- Documenting the clinical environment in patient records, especially when care is delivered under sub-optimal conditions

- Reporting instances of overcrowding and resource shortages in writing to relevant authorities

- Maintaining professional standards and avoiding unsafe procedures despite systemic pressures

Demands to Management

KODA called on Korle-Bu management to:

1. Review referral systems in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service

2. Provide adequate logistics, consumables, and temporary clinical spaces

3. Offer clear legal indemnity and administrative support for staff working under the current conditions

The association acknowledged recent efforts by authorities to provide temporary relief but stressed the need for long-term, systemic solutions.

KODA added that recommendations for addressing the crisis have previously been made by the Ghana Medical Association and other stakeholders, and called for the political will to implement them.

The statement was signed by Dr Asare Offei (Chairman), Dr Joojo Nyamekye-Baldoo (Secretary), and Dr Nan Martekuor Vanderpuye (Treasurer).