Doctors at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have suspended all Out-Patient Department (OPD) services following a protracted dispute between Laboratory Physicians and Medical Laboratory Scientists at the facility’s Central Laboratory.
The industrial action, announced by the Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA), took effect on Monday, May 4, 2026. According to the Association, the decision follows mounting tensions that it says are beginning to undermine patient safety and affect clinical decision-making.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 3, KODA cautioned that the situation could worsen if swift intervention is not made. “KODA withdraws all Out-Patient Services (OPD) from Monday, May 4, 2026. Escalation towards suspension of in-patient services will be communicated in due course,” the statement noted.
The Association blames the standoff on what it describes as the unlawful denial of access to the Central Laboratory by members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists. It claims this has resulted in attempts to dictate who is authorised to practise within the facility.
KODA is demanding that all specialised laboratory results be reviewed and validated by qualified Laboratory Physicians before they are released. It is also calling for unrestricted access to laboratory systems and equipment for both clinical and academic purposes.
Furthermore, the Association has urged hospital management to probe alleged threats against its members and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety, while safeguarding the hospital’s operational standards.
On policy matters, KODA has also rejected plans to introduce 24-hour specialist outpatient services, arguing that such care is already provided through the Korle-Bu Polyclinic.
While acknowledging the inconvenience to patients, the Association insists the action is essential. “We regret the inevitable inconvenience to our patients; however, this action is necessary to ensure patient safety and the long-term stability and professional standards of the hospital,” the statement added.
