The Korle-Bu Doctors Association (KODA) has threatened to embark on a strike at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital from May 2 if key concerns over laboratory access and outpatient services are not addressed.
In a notice, the Association said its members will withdraw services if management fails to resolve what it describes as serious threats to patient safety and professional standards by April 30.
KODA cited the exclusion of Laboratory Physicians from the hospital’s Central Laboratory as a major concern. It accused the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of restricting access and attempting to control who is allowed to practise there.
The group described the situation as unacceptable, alleging that some Laboratory Physicians have been prevented from working and, in certain cases, threatened.
It is demanding the immediate reinstatement of all affected Laboratory Physicians and trainee doctors, as well as unrestricted access to laboratory systems and equipment.
KODA also called for laboratory leadership to be based strictly on professional merit, free from external pressure. It further insisted that all specialised test results must be reviewed and validated by qualified Laboratory Physicians before release.
The Association is also pushing for a full investigation into alleged threats against its members, urging hospital management to take disciplinary and protective action where necessary.
On policy, KODA strongly opposed plans to introduce 24-hour specialist outpatient services. It argued that the hospital already runs a 24-hour outpatient unit through the Korle-Bu Polyclinic.
According to the group, expanding the service without clear policy, staffing, and funding risks overburdening staff and compromising patient care.
KODA also referenced the 24-Hour Economy Policy, noting that it is intended to involve additional staffing rather than extending working hours for existing personnel.
The Association is demanding the withdrawal of the directive and broader consultation before any rollout.
It warned that failure to meet its demands by the deadline will result in a full withdrawal of services from May 2.
