Tensions are rising at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as more than 300 laboratory scientists protest the removal of their Head of Unit, warning of a possible shutdown of the Central Laboratory.
The aggrieved staff staged a demonstration on May 6, chanting “No HoD, no work!” and demanding the immediate reinstatement of their colleague, whom they describe as unlawfully dismissed.
The protest disrupted routine laboratory services, leaving patients stranded and frustrated. Many who arrived unaware of the situation said they had spent money on tests but could not access results.
The scientists argue that replacing their head with a medical doctor undermines their profession. They insist that leadership of laboratory units should be reserved for qualified laboratory scientists.
Local union chairman, John Nakoja, said the absence of a Head of Department is already affecting operations.
“Currently, we don’t have a head of department, and the work has been affected because there is no one to issue checks to ensure the work is done,” he said.
Although the group initially planned a full strike on May 12, they have begun with a picketing exercise to press home their demands. They later marched to the hospital’s administration block, warning they would not resume work unless their head is reinstated.
At the national level, the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU) has backed the protest. Its Vice President, Dr. Amartey Armah, criticised the decision to appoint a medical doctor to lead the unit.
“We are saying that it is unfair for a medical doctor to head the unit. We, as lab scientists, have developed capacity over the years we can also be in charge,” he said.
Dr Armah warned that failure to resolve the dispute could disrupt the hospital’s otherwise stable operations.
Despite efforts by union leaders to calm the situation, tensions remain high. With both sides holding firm, uncertainty hangs over the continued functioning of one of Ghana’s key medical laboratories.
