The Ghana Medical Association has confirmed reports of overcrowding at the Accident and Emergency Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, following the circulation of a viral video showing patients being treated on chairs and on the floor.
In a statement dated March 24, the Association said its independent checks and an eyewitness account corroborated that the incident did occur, contrary to earlier suggestions that the footage could be AI-generated.
The GMA noted that such situations are not unique to Korle-Bu, explaining that overcrowding occasionally happens in health facilities during patient surges, often forcing health workers to improvise due to limited beds and space.
It added that recent administrative directives by hospital management and the Ministry of Health may have contributed to increased admissions beyond the centre’s capacity.
The Association warned that issuing directives without thorough assessment could pose risks to patient safety and quality of care.
To address the situation, the GMA called for a comprehensive and coordinated approach, including improved bed management systems, strengthened collaboration among health facilities, and increased investment in equipment, logistics, and human resources.
It also proposed upgrading nearby facilities such as Usher Hospital, Mamprobi Polyclinic, and Kaneshie Polyclinic to handle overflow cases, as well as establishing a national emergency coordination system to track bed availability and manage patient referrals.
The statement urged an urgent inter-agency meeting to find lasting solutions to emergency care challenges.
The GMA further reaffirmed its readiness to work with stakeholders to improve emergency response and ensure safe, timely care across the country.
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