The Deputy Medical Director of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Yaw Opare Larbi, has expressed concern over mounting pressure on the facility as the “no bed syndrome” continues to strain operations.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, Dr Opare Larbi said the situation at KATH mirrors conditions at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, but in some cases is even more severe.
“What happens in Korle Bu is no different from what happens in Komfo Anokye, but sometimes our situation is worse—we are under more pressure,” he stated.
He attributed the strain to the hospital’s role as the only tertiary referral facility in the Ashanti Region, serving a vast catchment area.
According to him, KATH receives referrals from across the country, sometimes from as many as 12 to 13 regions, in addition to patients within Kumasi and its surrounding areas.
This heavy referral load, he noted, continues to stretch the hospital’s capacity and resources, worsening congestion and delays in patient care.
The resurgence of the “no bed syndrome” has once again highlighted systemic challenges within Ghana Health Service facilities, particularly at major referral centres tasked with handling complex medical cases.
At KATH, the pressure is compounded by its strategic role as a central hub for specialised care, making it a destination for patients from far beyond the Ashanti Region.
Dr Opare Larbi’s remarks add to growing calls for urgent interventions to expand capacity and address infrastructure gaps in Ghana’s healthcare system, especially at key tertiary hospitals.
