By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, June 7, GNA – The NPP Minority in Parliament has criticised the suspension of KATH CEO, describing it as a “kneejerk” response that fails to address the systemic infrastructure and capacity challenges underpinning the hospital’s persistent “No Bed Syndrome.
In a statement signed by Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, and issued to the Ghana News Agency on Sunday, the Minority argued that holding a single administrator responsible for the “No Bed Syndrome” diverts attention from longstanding infrastructure and capacity challenges within the health sector.
“The decision by the government to suspend the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) over the recent challenges associated with bed capacity and patient congestion is unfortunate, reactionary, and fails to address the underlying structural failures confronting Ghana’s health sector,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the need for thorough investigations into every preventable death, the Minority maintained that the suspension would not resolve chronic issues relating to infrastructure deficits, referral systems and limited tertiary healthcare capacity.
According to the statement, congestion at KATH has been exacerbated by delays in completing major healthcare projects intended to serve as alternative referral centres in the Ashanti Region and northern Ghana.
It cited the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital and the Ashanti Regional Hospital at Sewua as key projects initiated under the previous administration to expand tertiary healthcare capacity and reduce pressure on KATH.
“These projects were specifically designed to increase tertiary healthcare capacity and reduce pressure on KATH. With those facilities still not operational, KATH remains the default destination for critical cases across the region, worsening overcrowding and straining resources,” the statement noted.
The Minority urged the government to prioritise the completion of stalled health infrastructure projects rather than resorting to what it described as “reactionary” personnel changes.
It argued that sustainable solutions required investment in beds, equipment and referral systems, rather than suspensions that leave the root causes of the problem unresolved.
KATH, one of Ghana’s two major teaching hospitals, serves as a referral centre for the Ashanti Region and parts of northern Ghana. Recent reports of overcrowded wards and patients being treated on floors have renewed concerns about the country’s tertiary healthcare capacity.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei