The Korle-Bu Doctors’ Association (KODA) has issued a stern warning over escalating risks to patient safety and staff well-being at the Accident and Emergency Centre of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
In a statement on Monday, March 23, the association cited overcrowding and administrative pressures that are forcing healthcare workers to deliver care in unsafe and improvised settings.
KODA Chairman, Dr. Asare K. Offel, described the situation as “unsustainable,” noting that it jeopardizes patient outcomes and undermines the professional integrity of medical staff.
“While we remain committed to the ‘No Bed’ policy of admitting every patient brought to the emergency room, the current overcrowding has compelled healthcare workers to provide care in non-ideal and improvised settings,” Dr. Offel said.
“This status quo poses significant risks to both patient recovery and professional integrity.”
The association identified several urgent concerns. Overcrowding delays critical interventions, weakens infection control, and increases the risk of medical errors, putting patient safety in jeopardy.
Doctors are also exposed to medico-legal risks when treating patients on floors, chairs, or in hallways. In addition, staff face severe physical and mental strain, including burnout and injuries such as spinal trauma from bending or squatting to provide care.
KODA’s statement followed a visit to the emergency department on March 21 by the Minister of Health and hospital management, prompted by a viral social media video showing patients being treated on chairs and the floor. The minister reportedly found conditions near normal and suggested the social media report was inaccurate.
KODA clarified that appearances can be staged for official visits. “The environment on the day of the minister’s visit did not reflect what actually happens daily at the emergency department. It is normal practice to prepare ahead of a government official’s visit,” the statement said.
The association emphasized that the so-called ‘No Bed Syndrome’ extends beyond bed availability.
“The larger issue is the capacity of referring hospitals and the coordination of patient flow to Korle-Bu. Any number of beds provided would quickly fill up,” KODA said.
KODA urged the Ministry of Health and Korle-Bu management to assume responsibility rather than assign blame. It called on staff to rigorously document care provided in sub-optimal conditions, escalate instances of overcrowding or resource deficits to the Head of Unit and Director of Medical Affairs, and maintain basic safety and ethical standards despite systemic pressures.
The association also recommended that management review referral networks to reduce pressure on Korle-Bu, provide adequate resources and temporary holding spaces, and issue formal legal protection for staff operating under compromised conditions.
“KODA appreciates the immediate efforts by management and the Minister of Health to provide temporary solutions,” the statement said. “However, we must move from crisis management to systemic correction.”
The doctors noted that long-term solutions previously proposed by the Ghana Medical Association and other stakeholders remain dependent on political will. KODA reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue aimed at preventing avoidable patient deaths and safeguarding healthcare workers.
