Patients needing medical care at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) were left in limbo on Saturday, June 6, after doctors at the facility began an indefinite walkout.
The strike, announced by the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA), halted operations at one of Ghana’s major referral centres, leaving scores unsure of where to turn for treatment.
The industrial action followed an emergency KADA session on June 5, where members assessed recent issues at the hospital, including ongoing overcrowding in the Emergency Department and the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.
A visit by journalists to the facility revealed scenes of anger and dismay as patients who arrived expecting care were told doctors had withdrawn their services.
Many were seen exiting the hospital grounds after failing to get consultations and treatment. The strike’s effect was especially stark for patients needing specialist attention and routine reviews.
Many voiced fears over how the stoppage would affect their health, particularly those battling long-term illnesses.
One of those impacted was asthmatic patient Baba Aliba Camara, who said he had spent a day at the hospital for medical checks and returned hoping to continue care.
“I was here yesterday at 6am and the doctor asked me to go and run some tests and so I came today to see a doctor but there is no doctor to attend to me and so I am going home.
I don’t know what will happen to me between today and tomorrow when I go home.”
His ordeal mirrors the struggles of many who rely on KATH for critical medical services. For some, the strike has derailed ongoing treatment schedules, while others needing urgent consultations have been forced to look for care elsewhere.
