GRNMA calls for urgent action as 'no-bed syndrome' worsens across Ghana

Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has sounded the alarm over the worsening "no-bed syndrome" across Ghana. The association warned that the situation is endangering lives and placing unbearable pressure on emergency services. In a statement, the GRNMA described the crisis as a growing national emergency, citing recent incidents at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and similar occurrences across major referral facilities nationwide.

The GRNMA said the "no-bed syndrome" reflects the inability of critically ill patients to access timely emergency care due to severe capacity constraints, often resulting in dangerous delays and, in some cases, preventable deaths. Frontline reports from health facilities paint a troubling picture, with patients left waiting for extended periods or managed under unsafe and inappropriate conditions due to a lack of beds, space, and essential medical resources. The statement stressed that "These circumstances are unacceptable and constitute a serious threat to patient safety, dignity, and survival." The GRNMA attributed the crisis to a combination of systemic challenges, including a widening gap between patient numbers and available bed capacity, overcrowding at tertiary and secondary hospitals caused by a weak referral system, and inadequate emergency care infrastructure. The association also highlighted persistent shortages of skilled personnel, particularly in emergency and critical care units, as well as poor coordination of ambulance and referral services, as major contributing factors.

The GRNMA is calling for urgent national action. It is urging the government and stakeholders to prioritise investment in healthcare infrastructure, strengthen referral systems, and improve staffing levels to ease the growing burden on emergency units. The warning comes amid rising public concern over access to emergency care, as Ghana's health system continues to struggle with increasing demand and limited resources.