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The strike by health workers at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has entered its fourth day, leaving patients from across the country stranded and placing further strain on healthcare delivery at Ghana’s second-largest referral facility.
The industrial action, which began on Saturday, June 6, stems from concerns over the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, and other related issues. The ongoing standoff continues to disrupt services, particularly at the Out-Patient Department (OPD), where many patients are unable to access scheduled consultations, reviews and routine medical care.
Although healthcare workers continue to attend to critically ill patients and those already admitted, the suspension of most OPD services has left numerous patients uncertain about their treatment plans.
Several patients who travelled long distances to seek medical attention have expressed frustration after arriving at the hospital only to discover that services had been affected by the strike.
A relative of a patient who travelled from Zebilla in the Upper East Region said the family had been left stranded after a scheduled review appointment could not take place.
“We were transferred from the north two weeks ago and came all the way from Zebilla. When we arrived, my relative was attended to, laboratory tests were done, and we were given medication and asked to return today for a review.
“Unfortunately, we arrived only to meet the strike. We are currently staying at my aunt’s place in Asawase, and our presence is putting financial pressure on her. It is very frustrating,” the relative told Citi News.
Another patient, who travelled from Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region, said she was unsure of what to do after missing her follow-up appointment.
“My church supported me financially to come to the hospital. My breast is swollen. I came here two weeks ago and was asked to return today. I came from Akyem Oda. I don’t know whether to return or wait here. I don’t know anybody around,” she said.
Efforts by the government to persuade the striking workers to return to work have so far yielded no results. The workers maintain that they will only resume duty after receiving feedback from the Ministry of Health and the Health Minister regarding their concerns about the suspension of Dr. Baidoo.
As the strike enters its fourth day, healthcare services at KATH remain under significant pressure, with patients and their families continuing to bear the impact of the prolonged industrial action.
Source: Citi News