The Laboratory Sub-BMC of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has been urged to scale up its services by conducting more advanced diagnostic tests and boosting internally generated funds to support its operations.

This call was made by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, during the Sub-BMC’s inaugural Open Day held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The event, which took place on the hospital’s premises, brought together a wide array of healthcare professionals, students, past and present heads of the Sub-BMC, as well as senior managers and staff of the facility.

Dr. Owusu-Sekyere praised the laboratory’s recent ISO accreditation — the first of its kind in Ghana and the West African sub-region — describing it as a major milestone. He encouraged staff to build on this achievement by expanding their diagnostic capabilities and maintaining the high standards associated with the accreditation.

“This recognition should be a springboard,” he stated. “We must not rest. We need to pursue more advanced tests and generate more income to sustain the lab’s operations.”

Also in attendance was Dr. Harry Akoto, Acting Director of Medical Affairs at Korle Bu; Dr. Ignatius N.A. Abowuni, Chief Programmes Officer for Allied Health at the Ministry of Health; Dr. Felix K. Sorvor, Laboratory Focal Person at the National Tuberculosis Control Programme; and Mr. William Mills Addo-Pappoe, Head of the Clinical Laboratory Unit at the Ghana Health Service.

Acting Head of the Central Laboratory, Dr. Michael Amo Omari, described the Open Day as a significant moment for the Lab Sub-BMC to share its journey.

“We have come through mistrust, criticism, and financial constraints,” he said. “But we listened, we learned, and we acted — and that is what has brought us here today.”

He added that the lab’s long-term vision is to become a centre of excellence and the preferred medical laboratory in the West African sub-region.

The event began with a lively float through the hospital grounds, during which members of the Lab Sub-BMC engaged with the public, raised awareness about their work, and invited participation from other hospital departments.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ignatius Abowuni commended the laboratory staff for their dedication and achievements. He urged them to welcome constructive criticism and continue to improve.

“We must not be like the Korle Lagoon — stagnant and foul,” he cautioned. “We should be like the Volta River — ever-flowing, ever-renewing.”

The day concluded with a free medical screening exercise for hospital staff. Guests later unveiled a plaque commemorating the lab’s ISO accreditation and toured the Central Laboratory’s various units.

Credit: Ghana Health Service