Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced plans to introduce round-the-clock patient care services at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), as part of efforts to improve service delivery and ease pressure on the country’s premier referral facility.
The move follows an emergency working visit by the Minister after a viral social media video alleged that patients were being treated on the floor at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department due to a shortage of beds.
After touring the facility, Mr. Akandoh acknowledged the strain on the hospital but stressed the need for a system that ensures continuous care across all departments.
“We must move towards a system where patient care is truly a 24-hour service across the hospital, with seamless coordination between departments to ensure that no patient is left waiting unnecessarily,” he said.
He explained that the plan would extend 24-hour services to Out-Patient Department (OPD) units, ensuring that care does not slow down after peak hours and that patients receive timely treatment and admissions.
As part of the reforms, the Minister disclosed plans to establish an IT-based command centre to improve real-time coordination of patient referrals and direct cases to facilities with available capacity.
The Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Yakubu Seidu Adam, said the transition to full 24-hour service delivery would be implemented in phases.
“This is not something that can be achieved at once. The 24-hour service across the hospital will be introduced gradually as we strengthen the necessary systems and resources to support it,” he stated.
Mr. Akandoh commended health workers for their dedication despite the challenges and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the hospital through infrastructure expansion, including the provision of additional beds and new facilities such as a maternity block.
The initiative is expected to improve patient outcomes and reduce congestion at the facility as authorities work to modernise healthcare delivery.
