Tensions flared at the Surgery Department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) on Monday, September 2, 2024, when the Ranking Member of the Health Committee of Parliament, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh made an unannounced visit to investigate reports of suspended elective surgeries allegedly caused by faulty elevators.
The visit followed an announcement from the hospital regarding the suspension of all elective surgeries due to malfunctioning elevators. Mr Akandoh, accompanied by journalists, sought to verify these claims firsthand.
Upon arrival, the MP and his team were confronted by a staff member who blocked their attempt to conduct interviews within the surgery department, leading to a heated exchange.
Expressing his frustration, Akandoh explained his reason for the visit: “This morning, I decided to pay a surprise visit to see whether or not the lifts are working. Unfortunately, they are not. We are here at the Department of Surgery, and the lift at the department is not working. Information we have gathered is that some of the lifts have been down for the past four to five years.”
The Juaboso MP also criticized the hospital’s management for allowing the situation to deteriorate, questioning why regular maintenance was neglected, leading to the current crisis. He voiced his concern that ordinary Ghanaians requiring elective surgeries were the ones suffering due to the hospital’s negligence.
In a strong appeal, he called on the government and the Minister of Health to address the issue immediately, stating, “I am calling on the government, the Minister responsible for health; they cannot suspend surgeries indefinitely. Within 24 hours, we must see the end of this unconscionable behaviour. We cannot accept that behaviour.”
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
