Former Deputy Minister of Health, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has urged the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to immediately reverse the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, describing the decision as harsh and potentially damaging to healthcare delivery.
His comments come as doctors at KATH continue an indefinite strike in protest against the CEO’s suspension.
Speaking on Citi News Digest on Saturday, June 6, Mr Acquah said the Ministry should focus on addressing the deeper structural challenges in the health sector rather than punishing hospital leadership.
According to him, the overcrowding at the hospital’s Emergency Department, which triggered the temporary suspension of new admissions, is a symptom of long-standing neglect and underinvestment in healthcare infrastructure.
“I think their demand is for the Minister to relook at the suspension and the punishment given to the CEO and accept the fact that this situation has come about because we have paid lip service to our healthcare space for quite too long,” he said.
Mr Acquah argued that referral hospitals like KATH are under immense pressure due to inadequate infrastructure and limited expansion of other facilities. He suggested that the decision to redirect patients to nearby hospitals may have been the most responsible option available under the circumstances.
“For a healthcare professional, it will be out of place for them to decide that no matter the situation, they just have to pile up emergency cases. They need the space and a very thriving environment to be able to take care of patients,” he stated.
He warned that the ongoing dispute, if not resolved quickly, could severely affect healthcare delivery across the region.
“I think the Minister’s action is a bit harsh and he may have to rescind his decision so that our healthcare doesn’t collapse,” he added.
Meanwhile, patients seeking care at KATH were left stranded on Saturday following the commencement of the doctors’ indefinite strike.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
