Wonder Madilo, a political analyst and development specialist affiliated with the NDC communications team, says although the strike by Korle Bu doctors has been suspended, the
Madilo argued that no single group within the hospital has ownership over its operations and therefore cannot unilaterally resist policy direction.
“The facility does not belong to doctors. It doesn’t belong to laboratory technicians or scientists… and we need to call them out,” he said.
His comments come amid a heated back-and-forth between medical professionals over the proposed implementation of a 24-hour economy within critical hospital services, including laboratories.
According to Madilo, the resistance by Korle Bu doctors to the 24-hour economy policy is based on a misunderstanding of its intent. He stressed that the policy does not automatically mean compulsory extended working hours for existing staff. He further pointed to ongoing government efforts to strengthen the health workforce, including the recruitment of thousands of nurses, as evidence that expansion plans are being backed by structural support.
“Government is finalizing the recruitment of about 6,000 nurses. That tells you there are plans to support the system,” he added. Madilo also raised ethical concerns about the actions of Korle Bu doctors, especially in relation to the potential consequences for patients.
He criticized what he described as a tendency to resort to strike action instead of engaging authorities through dialogue.
“If you are asked to do something more that will be paid for, and you go on strike and somebody loses their life, should we condone that? I don’t think it’s right,” he said.
Rather than confrontation, Madilo believes the appropriate response from the Korle Bu doctors should have been to seek clarity and engagement with the government on how the 24-hour economy would be implemented.
“The process should have been to engage the government and ask, What are the plans? Then the government explains the rollout,” he suggested. While some stakeholders argue that concerns about workload, compensation, and working conditions are valid, others, like Madilo, maintain that resistance without full engagement undermines both reform efforts and patient care.
