Patients continue to endure worsening conditions at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) as the strike by health workers enters its fourth day, leaving many who travelled long distances stranded at the facility.
The industrial action, which began on Saturday, June 6, in protest over the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, and related concerns, has significantly disrupted healthcare delivery at the country’s second-largest referral hospital.
While emergency and inpatient services are still being provided for critically ill patients, most Out-Patient Department (OPD) services remain suspended, affecting routine consultations, follow-ups and scheduled reviews.
The impact has been particularly severe for patients who travelled from various parts of the country, many of whom arrived expecting medical attention only to find services halted.
A relative of a patient who travelled from Zebilla in the Upper East Region described the situation as distressing after the family was left stranded in Kumasi.
“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 from Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region said she was uncertain about her next steps after missing a scheduled follow-up appointment due to the strike.
“My church supported me financially to come to the hospital. My breast is swollen. I came here two weeks ago. I 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.
Attempts by the Ministry of Health to secure a return to work have so far been unsuccessful, as the striking staff maintain they will only resume duties after receiving formal feedback from the Ministry and the Health Minister on their concerns regarding the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.
The impasse has left healthcare delivery at KATH under severe strain, with patients continuing to bear the consequences of the ongoing industrial action.
