By Amoako Kwame
The Korle-Bu Doctors Association (KODA) has warned it will embark on an industrial strike at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital from May 2 if its concerns over laboratory operations and proposed outpatient service reforms are not resolved by the end of Thursday, April 30, 2026.
In a formal notice, the Association stated that its members would withdraw their services if management does not urgently address what it describes as “serious threats” to patient safety and professional standards—specifically the exclusion of Laboratory Physicians from the hospital’s Central Laboratory and the planned introduction of 24-hour specialist outpatient services.
On the Central Laboratory dispute, KODA alleged that members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists have unlawfully limited access to the facility and are trying to dictate who is allowed to practise there.
The Association described the situation as unacceptable, pointing to reports that Laboratory Physicians have been barred from working and, in some instances, threatened.
KODA also demanded the immediate reinstatement of all Laboratory Physicians and trainee doctors to the Central Laboratory by April 30.
It further stressed that leadership of laboratory departments should be determined strictly by professional merit and institutional standards, without influence from unions or associations.
The group is also advocating that all specialised laboratory results be reviewed and validated by qualified Laboratory Physicians before being released, along with unrestricted access to laboratory systems and equipment for both clinical and academic purposes.
In addition, the Association is calling for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged threats against its members, urging management to take appropriate disciplinary and protective actions to ensure staff safety and uphold operational integrity.
On policy, KODA strongly opposed the proposed rollout of 24-hour specialist outpatient services, arguing that the hospital already provides round-the-clock outpatient care through the Korle-Bu Polyclinic.
“KODA draws Management’s attention to the fact that the 24-hour economy policy of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, which appears to inform this directive, contemplates the engagement of additional personnel to cover afternoon and night shifts, not the extension of existing working hours for the same employees. The current implementation framework does not appear to reflect this distinction,” a portion of the statement read.
KODA further urged management to focus on improving efficiency within existing outpatient services as a more immediate solution.
The group warned that failure to meet these demands by the deadline would result in a full withdrawal of services from May 2, a step it says is aimed at safeguarding patient safety, maintaining professional standards, and ensuring the hospital’s long-term functionality.
More stories here
Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com