Doctors at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) have withdrawn all Out-Patient Department (OPD) services following the expiration of a strike deadline and an unresolved dispute within the facility’s Central Laboratory.
The industrial action, spearheaded by the Korle-Bu Doctors Association (KODA), took effect today, Monday, May 4, after a formal ultimatum issued to hospital management on April 30 expired without a satisfactory resolution.
The strike stems from a prolonged impasse between Laboratory Physicians and Medical Laboratory Scientists.
KODA alleges that members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists have “unlawfully restricted” access to the Central Laboratory, attempting to dictate who is permitted to practice within the facility.
In a statement issued Sunday, May 3, the association said the situation is directly “compromising patient safety and clinical decision-making.”
KODA is demanding immediate intervention to restore professional standards, including the requirement that all specialized laboratory results be reviewed and validated by qualified Laboratory Physicians before release, and the restoration of access to laboratory systems and equipment for both clinical and academic purposes.
The association is also calling for investigations into alleged threats against its members and the implementation of protective measures, while voicing opposition to a proposed 24-hour specialist outpatient service, arguing existing services are sufficient.
As a major referral centre, the withdrawal of OPD services is expected to disrupt healthcare delivery nationwide. While the current action is limited to outpatient care, the association warned of possible escalation.
“KODA withdraws all Out-Patient Services (OPD) from Monday, May 4, 2026. Escalation towards suspension of in-patient services will be communicated in due course,” the statement read.
KODA acknowledged the inconvenience to patients but insisted the action is necessary to safeguard standards.
“We regret the inevitable inconvenience to our patients; however, this action is necessary to ensure patient safety,” it said, adding, “We trust that Management will act with the urgency that these matters demand.”
