Korle-Bu Doctors Association threaten strike over lack of laboratory and outpatient service reforms

The Korle-Bu Doctors Association (KODA) has announced a planned strike action set for May 2, 2026, if urgent concerns regarding laboratory operations and proposed outpatient service reforms at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital are not addressed.

In a formal notice to hospital management, the association stated that its members will withdraw services if their demands are not met by close of April 30.

KODA said the dispute largely centres on two major issues, restrictions placed on Laboratory Physicians’ access to the Central Laboratory and plans to introduce 24-hour outpatient services.

According to the association, these developments raise serious concerns about patient safety and the overall quality of care at the hospital.

KODA further alleged that members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) have restricted Laboratory Physicians from accessing the Central Laboratory, a facility they describe as essential for both clinical work and academic training. The association also claimed that in some instances, physicians have been barred from working or faced threats.

It described the situation as unacceptable, warning that it undermines patient care and medical research. KODA is therefore calling for all Laboratory Physicians and trainees to be reinstated with full access to the Central Laboratory by April 30, while insisting that leadership roles within laboratory departments should be based strictly on professional merit and institutional guidelines, not external pressure from unions or associations.

On the proposal to extend outpatient services to 24 hours, KODA acknowledged the need for improved access to specialist care but cautioned that the plan must be carefully reviewed. It argued that proper staffing and planning are necessary to ensure patient safety is not compromised.

The association is also demanding that all specialised laboratory results be reviewed and validated by qualified Laboratory Physicians before being released to patients. In addition, it wants unrestricted access to laboratory systems and equipment for both clinical duties and academic work.

KODA has given management until April 30 to resolve the issues, warning that failure to do so will trigger the strike action scheduled for May 2.