KATH Incident Exposes Nationwide Gaps in Emergency Care System – GMA
The Ghana Medical Association says the recent congestion at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre has exposed nationwide gaps in Ghana’s emergency care system, including weak referral networks and overstretched regional facilities.
It made the observation in a statement after reviewing KATH’s temporary measures to manage severe congestion at the Accident and Emergency Centre.
GMA stressed that the KATH episode underscores broader challenges confronting emergency care delivery across Ghana.
It cited inadequate emergency medicine infrastructure, limited capacity at regional and district hospitals, and weak referral systems as key factors that channel excess patient load to tertiary hospitals.
“While the immediate challenge at KATH may have been resolved, the incident highlights broader systemic issues confronting emergency care delivery in Ghana,” the Association stated.
To address these gaps, GMA recommended sustained investments in emergency medicine infrastructure, expansion of emergency care facilities, and improved resourcing of regional and district hospitals to manage cases closer to patients’ communities.
It said strengthening emergency care capacity at all levels will reduce pressure on major referral hospitals and improve patient outcomes nationwide.
“Every Ghanaian, regardless of where they live, should have timely access to quality emergency medical care,” GMA said.
It comes after KATH announced the suspension of admissions at its emergency centre due to congestion.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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