KATH Did Not Turn Away Emergency Patients- GMA Clarifies
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) says Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital did not turn away emergency patients during recent congestion at its Accident and Emergency Centre.
In a statement, GMA said the measures were meant to address severe congestion at the A&E Centre.
Following engagements with KATH Management, discussions with A&E staff, and a review of the Medical Director’s media explanations, the Association concluded patients were not denied emergency care.
“Rather, the temporary measures announced by Management were intended to support the appropriate redistribution of patients to peripheral health facilities within the region while the Hospital addressed significant congestion and capacity constraints,” GMA stated.
The Association reviewed the minutes of a June 2, 2026, meeting of the Regional Health Directorate and noted deliberate, agreed-upon actions to mitigate congestion.
The GMA added that patient numbers had exceeded the facility’s designed capacity, necessitating urgent operational interventions to protect patient safety and maintain quality care for critically ill patients already on admission.
The Association noted with satisfaction that the situation at KATH’s A&E Centre has since improved remarkably.
Systemic Reforms Needed
It however, warned that the incident highlights broader systemic gaps in emergency care delivery nationwide.
While the immediate challenge at KATH may be resolved, GMA stressed the incident exposes wider issues confronting emergency care in Ghana.
It is calling for sustained investments in emergency medicine infrastructure, expansion of emergency care facilities, strengthening of referral systems, and improved resourcing of regional and district hospitals.
“Every Ghanaian, regardless of where they live, should have timely access to quality emergency medical care,” the Association said.
“Strengthening emergency care capacity at all levels will not only reduce pressure on major referral hospitals but also improve patient outcomes nationwide.”
Concern
The Association also expressed concern over a query letter from KATH’s Chief Executive Officer that it said appeared to suggest wrongdoing by KATH Management.
The GMA hopes engagements between the CEO and the Minister for Health will strengthen emergency healthcare delivery and address the challenges raised, rather than result in adverse outcomes.
It says it will monitor developments to inform further action.
Meanwhile, it commended doctors, nurses, emergency medicine specialists, and other healthcare professionals at KATH and across the Ashanti Region for working diligently under challenging circumstances to ensure continuity of care.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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