KATH doctors suspend strike after Otumfuo’s intervention

The Komfo Anokye Doctors’ Association (KADA) has suspended its industrial action with immediate effect following three days of service withdrawal at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

The withdrawal of services comes over the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo.

The suspension followed a closure of the facility's Accident and Emergency center due to overcrowding.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 9, KADA, which was demanding the reinstatement of the CEO, said the suspension of strike follows high-level engagements involving key stakeholders, including Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

According to the association, the intervention of the Asantehene and other stakeholders was critical in reaching the decision to halt the strike and resume dialogue.

"This decision has been made following fruitful engagements and the timely intervention of His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Hospital Board, Management and other key stakeholders," the statement read in part.

KADA stressed that although it remains committed to resolving outstanding concerns, it considered the broader implications of prolonged industrial action on patient care.

"The safety and well-being of patients and the broader public interest remain central to our responsibilities, and these have informed our decision to suspend the action and continue the dialogue," it noted.

The association expressed appreciation to the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and other health sector unions for their support during the period of the strike.

It also acknowledged the solidarity of several professional health bodies, including nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and emergency medicine practitioners at the hospital.