Korle-Bu Doctors Threaten Strike Over Laboratory Dispute and OPD Reforms

The Korle-Bu Doctors Association (KODA) has issued a notice indicating it will embark on an industrial strike at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital beginning May 2, 2026, if its concerns regarding laboratory operations and proposed outpatient service reforms are not addressed by the close of Thursday, April 30.

In a formal statement, the Association warned that its members will withdraw services if hospital management fails to act on what it describes as “serious threats” to patient safety and professional standards. Chief among these concerns are the alleged exclusion of Laboratory Physicians from the Central Laboratory and plans to introduce 24-hour specialist outpatient services.

KODA accused members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of restricting access to the Central Laboratory and attempting to control who is permitted to practise there. The Association described the situation as unacceptable, citing reports that some Laboratory Physicians have been blocked from working and, in certain instances, threatened.

The group is demanding the immediate reinstatement of all Laboratory Physicians and trainee doctors to the Central Laboratory by April 30. It also insists that leadership within laboratory departments must be determined strictly by professional merit and institutional guidelines, without interference from unions or associations.

Additionally, KODA is calling for all specialised laboratory results to be reviewed and validated by qualified Laboratory Physicians before release. It is also demanding unrestricted access to laboratory systems and equipment for both clinical and academic purposes.

The Association has further urged hospital management to launch a full investigation into alleged threats against its members, with appropriate disciplinary and protective measures to ensure staff safety and maintain operational integrity.

On policy matters, KODA strongly opposed the proposed rollout of 24-hour specialist outpatient services. It argued that the hospital already operates a 24-hour outpatient facility through the Korle-Bu Polyclinic, and warned that extending similar services across departments without adequate policy direction, staffing, and funding could overstretch personnel and undermine patient care.

Referencing the 24-hour economy policy under John Dramani Mahama, KODA noted that such a framework envisions the recruitment of additional staff for extended shifts, rather than increasing the workload of existing personnel. It maintained that the current proposal does not reflect this approach.

The Association has therefore called for the immediate withdrawal of the 24-hour OPD directive pending the development of a comprehensive policy and broader consultations with clinical departments. It also urged management to prioritise improving efficiency within existing outpatient services as a more immediate solution.

KODA warned that failure to meet its demands by the stated deadline will result in a full withdrawal of services from May 2, a move it says is necessary to protect patient safety, uphold professional standards, and safeguard the long-term functionality of the hospital.