The Komfo Anokye Certified Registered Anaesthetist Association (KACRA) has announced its readiness to join any lawful industrial action by healthcare worker groups at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) if concerns surrounding the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer and broader institutional challenges remain unresolved.
In a statement addressed to the Chairman of the KATH Board, KACRA said it had closely monitored recent developments at the hospital and believes the suspension of the CEO does not address the fundamental problems confronting the institution and its healthcare professionals.
According to the association, the challenges facing KATH are rooted in longstanding infrastructural deficits, inadequate logistics, limited resources and increasing patient numbers, all of which require strategic interventions rather than administrative sanctions.
“The continuous delivery of safe, efficient and quality healthcare depends largely on strengthening the hospital’s capacity and providing adequate support systems for healthcare workers,” the statement noted, adding that the CEO’s suspension does not directly contribute to achieving these objectives.
KACRA highlighted the difficult working conditions faced by healthcare professionals at the hospital, including overcrowding, limited medical equipment and rising clinical demands. The association argued that sustainable solutions should focus on improving working conditions and expanding the institution’s capacity.
As one of Ghana’s leading tertiary and referral healthcare facilities, KATH serves thousands of patients from across the country and beyond. However, KACRA said the hospital’s infrastructure and resources have not expanded at the same pace as growing healthcare demands.
The association called for the accelerated completion and operationalisation of health facilities intended to ease congestion and improve access to healthcare within the Ashanti Region and other parts of the country. It also urged immediate investment in modern medical equipment, infrastructure development and adequate resource allocation to strengthen KATH’s role in specialist healthcare delivery, medical education and research.
Additionally, KACRA appealed to the Board to reconsider the decision to suspend the CEO and instead pursue constructive engagement and collaborative leadership aimed at addressing the hospital’s pressing challenges.
The association further indicated that it would stand in solidarity with the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA) and other allied health worker organisations in any lawful action designed to protect the interests of healthcare professionals and ensure quality patient care.
KACRA expressed confidence that the Board would take the necessary steps to maintain industrial harmony and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services.
The statement was signed by KACRA Chairperson David Karikari Amenku and Secretary George Tweneboah.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
