Doctors at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have suspended all Out-Patient Department (OPD) services indefinitely, citing a protracted dispute with laboratory personnel over access to the facility’s Central Laboratory.
The industrial action, announced by the Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA), took effect on Monday, May 4, 2026. KODA has warned that a suspension of inpatient services could follow if the situation remains unresolved.
In a statement issued on May 3, KODA said the decision was driven by concerns over patient safety and clinical decision-making. The association accused members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of unlawfully restricting access to the Central Laboratory, thereby interfering with clinical operations.
KODA is demanding that all specialised laboratory results be reviewed and validated by qualified Laboratory Physicians before release for clinical use. The association also seeks unrestricted access to laboratory systems and equipment for both clinical and academic work, arguing that any limitations undermine hospital efficiency.
Additionally, KODA called on hospital management to investigate alleged threats against its members and take appropriate disciplinary and protective measures.
The association also raised concerns over plans to introduce 24-hour specialist outpatient services, noting that such services are already provided through the hospital’s polyclinic. KODA argued that the proposed policy could further strain an already overstretched system.
While expressing regret for the disruption to patients, KODA defended the action as necessary to safeguard standards at the country’s premier referral facility.
“We regret the inevitable inconvenience to our patients; however, this action is necessary to ensure patient safety and the long-term stability and professional standards of the hospital,” the statement added.
Hundreds of patients who rely on outpatient services at Korle Bu are expected to be affected, as stakeholders await intervention to resolve the impasse.
