The Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has pledged a collective and results-oriented approach to tackling challenges at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital following an unannounced inspection of key departments.

The Minister, accompanied by top officials from the Ministry of Health, visited the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department as well as the Department of Surgery to assess conditions on the ground after receiving numerous complaints from the public.

Speaking to the press during the visit, Hon. Akandoh stressed the need for swift, practical interventions. “Everybody is going to be part of the solutions,” he stated, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with hospital management and staff to resolve pressing issues.

One of the major challenges identified was the persistent malfunctioning of hospital lifts. The Minister revealed that the problem had been acknowledged earlier and that steps were already in motion to address it. According to him, government approval had been secured for the repair and replacement of the faulty lifts, with installation processes currently underway.

In line with broader health sector reforms, the Minister also announced the introduction of new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and policy guidelines aimed at improving healthcare delivery nationwide. A notable initiative is a new government directive requiring that all medical equipment acquired or used in the hospital be linked to dedicated financial accounts. Revenue generated through the use of such equipment will be channelled back into maintenance and repairs, ensuring operational continuity and sustainability.

Addressing another key concern, Hon. Akandoh decried the poor maintenance culture at the facility and called for urgent improvements, particularly in revenue-generating units, which he insisted must remain functional at all times.

During the visit, an uplifting moment came when Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, an Oncology Nurse Specialist at the hospital, approached the Minister to share her international recognition. She had recently been selected among the top ten out of 100,000 global applicants in a prestigious award scheme—becoming the only Ghanaian to receive the honour. The Minister congratulated her warmly, praising her for her exceptional contribution to healthcare.

The visit included key figures from the hospital’s Central Management Team, such as Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere (Director of Medical Affairs), Mrs. Grace Anyomi (Director of Nursing and Midwifery), Dr. Charles Ofei-Palm (Director of Pharmacy), Mr. Gideon Gawuga (Director of Finance), Mr. Alhassan Munir (Director of Administration), Mr. Fredrick Ado-Yobo (Director of General Services), Mr. Jawula Yehuza (Director of Human Resources), and Mr. Mustapha Salufu (Head of Public Relations), among others.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing the state of public health infrastructure and service delivery, promising that solutions will be both inclusive and enduring.

Credit: KBTH