Nurses and midwives at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) will join the ongoing doctors' strike on Sunday, June 7, if the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, is not reversed. The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), KATH branch, announced its support for the doctors. They described the CEO's suspension as unnecessary and unhelpful.
This warning from the GRNMA follows a similar action by doctors at KATH. They withdrew their services on June 6. This was in protest against a directive from the Minister of Health. The Minister ordered the CEO's suspension after a temporary redirection of emergency admissions. This redirection occurred due to severe congestion at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre.
The GRNMA believes the decision to suspend the CEO will not solve KATH's problems. They argue that the hospital faces structural and logistical difficulties. These issues have not been addressed by management changes. Health professionals work in extremely difficult conditions. The association highlighted that KATH receives referrals from many regions. Its infrastructure and equipment have not kept pace with increasing patient numbers. The nurses are calling for immediate action from the Ministry of Health.
They want the Ministry to expedite the operationalisation of new health facilities. These facilities are meant to ease the pressure on KATH. The nurses also urged the government to prioritise retooling and expanding KATH. They also want its referral facilities to be upgraded. Adequate resources are needed for KATH to function as a leading tertiary healthcare institution. The GRNMA also demands that the CEO be empowered. He needs to carry out his duties effectively. This includes protecting patients and healthcare workers.
The GRNMA warned of widespread industrial action. This would severely affect health service delivery if the suspension remains. The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) supports the doctors' strike. They echoed the nurses' concerns. Both groups stress that the suspension directive is not the solution to KATH's persistent challenges.