The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has unveiled plans to launch 24-hour patient services at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), aiming to boost service delivery and alleviate pressure on Ghana’s top referral hub.
The announcement follows a surprise visit sparked by a viral video showing patients treated on floors due to bed shortages. Mr. Akandoh stressed the need for seamless, continuous care across departments.
“We must shift to a system where patient care is genuinely 24-hour, with smooth inter-departmental coordination to eliminate unnecessary wait times,” he said.
According to him, the plan will extend OPD services to nighttime, ensuring timely treatment and admissions. A command centre will coordinate referrals and direct patients to facilities with available capacity, he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of KBTH, Yakubu Seidu Adam, noted the transition will be phased. “This won’t happen overnight. We’ll roll out 24-hour services gradually, strengthening systems and resources,” he said.
Mr Akandoh, therefore, praised health workers’ dedication and reaffirmed government support for infrastructure upgrades, including new beds and a maternity block. The initiative aims to enhance patient outcomes and reduce congestion, modernising healthcare delivery
