Patients at the Oncology Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) can now breathe a sigh of relief as medical doctors have called off their strike, returning to their duties after a two-day hiatus.
The strike, which commenced on Monday, June 26, was initiated by doctors protesting the prolonged malfunction of the Linear Accelerator System (LINAC) machine.
This critical equipment is essential for cancer diagnosis and treatment but has been out of operation since October 2023, significantly impacting patient care.
The absence of medical staff during the strike left many cancer patients in distress, prompting appeals for the doctors to resume their services.
According to KATH management, steps are now being taken to address the situation, with assurances given that efforts are underway to expedite the repair or replacement of the LINAC machine.
In a statement on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Tuesday, hospital management confirmed progress in negotiations with relevant stakeholders to resolve the issue.
Kwame Frimpong, the Public Relations Officer of KATH, affirmed on Wednesday that the doctors have ended their industrial action. He acknowledged that while there are letters of credit proving arrangements with suppliers for the LINAC machine, the hospital anticipates some time before the equipment is operational.
The resolution of the strike marks a significant relief for patients who rely on the Oncology Department for crucial medical treatment amidst their battle against cancer. The return of medical services underscores the commitment of KATH to prioritize patient care, even amidst challenging operational circumstances.