A simmering dispute between Korle Bu doctors and laboratory scientists, fueled in part by government’s proposal to run the hospital laboratory on a 24-hour basis, has degenerated into an institutional standoff, with patients bearing the brunt.
Speaking in an interview, Dr. Bernard Tutu Boahene expressed deep concern about what he described as internal conflict overshadowing the real priorities of healthcare delivery. According to him, the unfolding situation suggests that Korle Bu doctors are increasingly at odds not with the government, but with their own management.
“It is surprising that they are actually not fighting the government. It means government is doing something well, but the management of Korle Bu is doing everything wrong,” he stated.
The ongoing disagreement, reportedly linked to the proposed 24-hour economy and its potential implementation in hospital laboratories, has sparked friction between doctors and laboratory scientists. At the heart of the matter lies a struggle over control, management, and operational timelines within the facility.
Dr. Boahene criticized the situation as lacking both strategic and professional direction. He argued that such disputes should not escalate to the point where patient care is compromised.
“The whole narrative of this argument, who is supposed to take control, who is supposed to manage, who is supposed to use this laboratory, it doesn’t make strategic sense,” he emphasized.
The most troubling aspect of the situation, according to Dr. Boahene, is the potential risk to patients. He warned that actions taken by Korle Bu doctors, particularly if they lead to service disruptions, could have dire consequences for Ghanaians who depend on the facility for critical care.
He questioned the ethics of industrial action in the healthcare sector when lives are at stake.
“If somebody dies, what have you achieved? If you go on strike and people lose their lives because you want to improve your conditions, then you are punishing Ghanaians,” he said.
Calls for Leadership and Accountability
Dr. Boahene placed significant responsibility on the management of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, urging them to act swiftly and decisively to resolve the impasse. He suggested that management explore alternative solutions, including mobilizing internally generated funds, rather than allowing tensions to escalate into full-blown crises.
“There may be more to it than what we are hearing,” he stated.
