By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, May 5, GNA – The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has reported improvements in clinical care, infrastructure and operational efficiency during the 2025 review period.
The gains, announced at the hospital’s Annual Performance Review, covered clinical services, diagnostics, infrastructure expansion and staff welfare, alongside ongoing challenges and future development plans.
Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, Chief Executive of KBTH, said the hospital had stabilised oxygen supply through an underground pipeline linked to a public-private partnership oxygen plant, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
He said diagnostic services had been strengthened with new digital X-ray units, while work was ongoing to install a new cardiac catheterisation laboratory following a previous fire incident.
Dr Adam said the Ear, Nose and Throat Department had been relocated to a refurbished space within the KML Building and equipped with advanced endoscopic systems valued at GH¢11.3 million.
He said in specialised care, the hospital was working to establish an in vitro fertilisation centre and had conducted two kidney transplants, with plans to scale up to routine monthly procedures.
Dr Adam said that cornea transplants were ongoing at the Lions International Eye Centre and called for enabling legislation to sustain organ and tissue transplantation in Ghana.
He said critical care capacity was being expanded, with steps to operationalise intensive care units at the Infectious Disease Centre, Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre, and the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department.
Infrastructure improvements, Dr Adam said, included installation of new power generators, re-roofing of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, expansion of water storage capacity by 150,000 litres, and replacement of elevators in key departments.
Renovations had been completed at the Out-Patient Pharmacy and 24-hour Pharmacy Annex, while restructuring works were ongoing at the mortuary.
On operational efficiency, Dr Adam said the hospital had introduced measures to improve patient flow, including expansion of emergency care spaces to address the “no bed syndrome.” He cited the takeover of the Blood Bank, implementation of a supply-as-needed system for laboratory reagents, and deployment of the Ghana Health Information Management System as key interventions.
He said staff welfare interventions included renovation of accommodation units, plans for a staff shuttle system and efforts to resolve challenges with the Medicare system, while security had been strengthened through increased personnel and private sector support.
Despite the progress made, Dr Adam highlighted delays in the payment of the 13th‑month salary and low National Health Insurance Scheme tariffs as challenges affecting staff morale and revenue.
He announced plans to construct a new 500-bed children’s hospital under a public-private initiative, supported by a fundraising campaign dubbed “100 by 100” to mobilise GH¢10 million for interim renovations.
Dr Adam outlined additional plans, including the construction of a new maternity block, introduction of plasmapheresis services, rollout of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, modernisation of the renal dialysis unit, and establishment of a corporate clinic.
He said that a new five‑year strategic plan (2026–2030) was being developed to guide sustained growth, reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to delivering world‑class healthcare.
Mr Kwabena Minta Akandoh, the Health Minister, in remarks made on his behalf, said the review aligned with the sector’s Medium-Term Development Plan and would inform broader national reforms.
He said policies such as Primary Health Care aimed at removing financial barriers required strong referral systems, with teaching hospitals playing a central role, and emphasised data-driven decision-making, strengthened accountability and tracking of performance indicators.
Professor Titus Beyuo, Board Chairman of KBTH, urged staff to improve systems, attitudes and service delivery, noting that public perception remained influenced by long waiting times, perceived overbilling and poor emergency care despite recent gains.
He called for improved outpatient and inpatient processes, elimination of financial barriers in emergency care and a more patient-friendly environment, and challenged staff to prioritise patient survival, including treating unconscious patients without upfront payments.
Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, stressed the link between excellence and accountability in healthcare delivery and commended KBTH for supporting other facilities through training and capacity building.
The Annual Performance Review brought together board members, management, departmental heads and stakeholders to assess progress and plan for improved service delivery.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Samira Larbie
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