Korle-Bu accident and emergency centre under strain as doctors warn of legal and safety risks

Korle-Bu Doctors' Association (KODA) warned of serious risks to patient safety and staff wellbeing at the Accident and Emergency Centre of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in a statement issued on Monday, March 23. KODA said overcrowding and administrative pressures are forcing healthcare workers to provide care in unsafe and improvised settings. KODA Chairman, Dr Asare K Offel, described the situation as unsustainable and said it threatens both patient outcomes and the professional integrity of medical staff.

The association highlighted that patient safety is being compromised, doctors face significant medico-legal vulnerability, and the physical and mental strain on staff is severe. KODA's statement followed a visit to the emergency department by the Minister of Health and hospital management on 21st March, prompted by a social media video showing patients being treated in chairs and on the floor. The minister reportedly found conditions near normal and suggested the social media report was inaccurate. KODA clarified that such appearances are often staged ahead of official visits.

KODA urged the Ministry of Health and Korle-Bu management to take responsibility rather than assign blame. It called on staff to rigorously document any care given in sub-optimal conditions, formally escalate every instance of overcrowding or resource deficit in writing to the Head of Unit and Director of Medical Affairs, and ensure adherence to basic safety and ethical standards even under systemic pressure. The association also called on management to review referral linkages to reduce the pressure on Korle-Bu, immediately provide adequate resources and temporary holding spaces, and issue written legal cover for staff working under these compromised conditions.