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Tag: KBTH

  • KBTH maternity block renovation to be completed in May – Acting CEO

    KBTH maternity block renovation to be completed in May – Acting CEO

    The renovation of the maternity block at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed by May this year.

    Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, disclosed this on Monday while inspecting the project. 

    He noted that the refurbishment, which began in January, has impressively reached 80% completion within just two months.


    “The renovation ongoing now started in January, and they had six months to complete. Within two months, they have done 80 percent compared to the last certification assessment.


    “If we have been able to do 80 percent in two months, chances are that within the next two months, we may be able to complete it. So, we have no reason to believe that it is going to drop,” he assured.

    The GH₵3.5 million facelift prioritizes patient safety, addressing significant structural deterioration on the building’s exterior.

    The project involves reinforcing weakened sections, repairing crumbling castings and exposed metal reinforcements, followed by recasting, replastering, and repainting to enhance both functionality and aesthetics while ensuring the structure’s stability.

    Meanwhile, the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Isaac Koranteng, explained that economic constraints, particularly those tied to the domestic debt exchange programme, influenced the decision to renovate the existing structure rather than demolish and rebuild it.

    Dr. Koranteng acknowledged concerns about elevator functionality across different hospital blocks and announced the acquisition of three new lifts for the Maternity, Surgical, and Medical Blocks.

    He assured that installation preparations are progressing steadily, paving the way for improved accessibility within the facility soon.


    “Originally, there were plans to construct an 11-story maternity and gynecology complex that would have replaced the current block.

    “Because of the discussion that we’ve had about the possibility of a new block, it wasn’t in our interest to put money in here when a new one was coming. But now we have realized that we need to concentrate on fortifying this,” he added.

    Dr. Koranteng assured that medical services would continue uninterrupted despite the renovations, as the hospital’s interior remains fully functional.

    “We are still going to take care of the patients. We are still going to carry out all activities because it’s external and the internal is in good condition,” he said. 

  • No deaths recorded at Korle Bu Renal Unit due to shortages of medical supplies – Management

    No deaths recorded at Korle Bu Renal Unit due to shortages of medical supplies – Management

    The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has firmly rebutted recent media reports that claimed 20 renal patients had died and alleged that the hospital owed substantial debts to suppliers.

    On Tuesday, the hospital’s management issued a statement addressing two key issues the alleged deaths of 20 patients due to a shortage of dialysis supplies and the purported debt to suppliers that supposedly led to these shortages.

    KBTH strongly denied that any patients had died this year as a result of insufficient dialysis consumables, stating unequivocally,“We have no record of any deaths during the period of shortages at the Renal Dialysis Unit”.

    The hospital attributed these allegations to a misunderstood media flyer and exaggerated social media posts.

    Regarding the claim of financial debt, KBTH clarified that the Ministry of Health has cleared all outstanding payments to suppliers.

    The statement refuted reports of a GH¢6 million debt, emphasizing, “Currently, Korle Bu does not owe GH¢6 million to the supplier as being falsely alleged,” the statement emphasised.

    KBTH also updated that a new batch of dialysis consumables arrived through Tema port last week, with another shipment currently being processed.

    Inpatient dialysis services resumed on August 12, and outpatient services are expected to be restored by the end of the week.

    The management called on the public to disregard these inaccurate reports, which they believe are meant to create unnecessary panic and distress.

  • KBTH management announces the Dialysis Centre will fully reopen next week

    KBTH management announces the Dialysis Centre will fully reopen next week

    Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has announced that its Dialysis Centre will fully reopen next week after being closed for the past two weeks.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, August 10, 2024, hospital management confirmed that a substantial supply of crucial dialysis consumables has been secured and is currently in the process of being delivered from the Tema Port.

    “The hospital has secured a significant quantity of essential consumables for dialysis, which are currently being processed for delivery to Korle Bu from the Tema Port.

    “The Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghana Supply Company are providing vital support to expedite this clearance on an emergency basis to ensure that we continue to deliver top-notch care to our valued patients.

    “As a result, we anticipate that the outpatient section of our Dialysis Centre will return to full operations early next week,” it stated.

    The hospital also extended an apology to patients for any inconvenience caused by the closure, expressing gratitude for their patience and understanding during the period.

    “To prevent future shortages and improve our service delivery and cost efficiency, the Minister of Health, Hon Dr. Bernard Okoe Roye, has procured 30 additional dialysis machines with a year’s supply of consumables for Korle Bu.

    The specifications of the new machines will allow us to access their essential consumables from the open market at competitive prices,” it added.

  • 13-year-old boy at Korle Bu diagnosed with Ghana’s first case of Wilson’s Disease

    13-year-old boy at Korle Bu diagnosed with Ghana’s first case of Wilson’s Disease

    The Child Health Department at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra has recorded Ghana’s first case of Wilson’s Disease in a 13-year-old boy.

    Wilson’s Disease is a rare, fatal genetic disorder, affecting about one in 30,000 people in developed countries. The boy was diagnosed after his mother noticed his deteriorating handwriting, prompting medical investigation.

    Professor Ebenezer Badoe, head of the Neuro-Developmental Clinic at KBTH, confirmed the diagnosis following extensive testing.

    What is Wilson’s Disease?
    Wilson’s Disease is an inherited disorder causing excessive copper accumulation in the body’s organs, particularly the liver, brain, and eyes. The condition results from the body’s inability to eliminate copper properly, leading to toxic buildup that can be life-threatening. Symptoms typically emerge between ages 12 and 23 and include swelling, fatigue, abdominal pain, and poorly coordinated movements.

    In this case, the boy’s symptoms were atypical, as he had not experienced jaundice, a common initial sign.

    Instead, his condition had progressed to affect his brain and motor skills, causing noticeable changes in his handwriting and gait. Further symptoms included Kayser-Fleischer rings, gray rings around the cornea caused by copper deposits in the eyes.

    Treatment and Costs
    Lifelong treatment is required to manage copper levels in the body. Professor Badoe noted that the boy’s treatment costs GH¢450 per month, which could enable him to live a normal life. However, stopping treatment could lead to acute liver failure and potentially death.

    Genetic Testing and Inheritance
    Wilson’s Disease is inherited through autosomal recessive inheritance, meaning both parents must carry the gene for the child to be affected. Advanced genetic testing, funded by the NGO Reg Disease Ghana and conducted in the United States, confirmed both parents as carriers, verifying the boy’s diagnosis.

    Appeal for Support
    Professor Badoe has appealed to the public for financial support to sustain the boy’s treatment. Despite improvements after two months of medication, continuous treatment is essential to prevent relapse and fatal complications.

    He emphasized the importance of early detection, urging teachers and caregivers to report any unusual changes in children’s behavior or abilities. He also commended the boy’s mother for her attentiveness, which led to early medical intervention.

    The boy’s mother recounted noticing her son’s reluctance to complete homework and his slow progress in class, which led to consultations with a nurse and subsequent referrals to specialized medical facilities, culminating in the critical diagnosis at KBTH.

    To contribute to the boy’s ongoing treatment, please contact the Child Health Department at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Your support can make a significant difference in the life of this young boy and his family.

  • New dialysis fees was never approved by Parliament never – Akandoh

    New dialysis fees was never approved by Parliament never – Akandoh

    The Member of Parliament for Juaboso and Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has denied Parliament’s involvement in the recent hike of dialysis treatment fees at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).

    KBTH’s decision to increase dialysis costs from GH¢380 to GH¢491 drew concerns from the Renal Patients Association of Ghana, who highlighted the added financial strain on patients.

    In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Wednesday, Mr. Akandoh clarified that Parliament did not authorize the fee adjustment, stressing it was an independent decision by the hospital.

    “We never agreed at the Committee level that the cost of dialysis must be increased. What happened was that the Ministry of Finance must waive all taxes on the [regent] of dialysis. So, it came to me as a shock when all the media houses were calling to tell me that fees had been increased. I don’t get it.

    “Then, when you talk about that, they make it sound as though Parliament has done some proposal and has gone ahead to approve it. We will go to Parliament on Friday and I hope to catch the Speaker’s eye to address this matter” Mr. Akandoh stated.

  • Chinese inmate left our custody with prison guards – Korle Bu

    Chinese inmate left our custody with prison guards – Korle Bu

    The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) refutes claims that a Chinese inmate escaped while receiving toothache treatment.

    The prison service reported the escape of the Chinese national serving a one-year jail term for theft during medical care at the facility.

    KBTH’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Salifu, disputed the accuracy of the media report, stating that the inmate left the hospital with the prison guards who accompanied him.

    He said “The report in the media is not very accurate.”

    Mr Salifu explained that the inmate, Wang Xiao, came to KBTH for a dental check-up, accompanied by two prison guards on Monday, February 12, 2024.

    After examination and assessment, it was determined that Wang Xiao needed an X-ray examination, incurring extra costs. Due to insufficient funds, the appointment was rescheduled for Friday, February 9, 2024.

    “He [Wang Xiao] came to the KBTH in the company of two prison guards on the account of a toothache. Once he got to the hospital, we observed that he was in handcuffs. But they moved out and reported back at about 8 am for the registration formalities.

    “After the registration, he was asked to pay an amount of GH¢167 because he was a non-Ghanaian. He then proceeded to the consulting room where he was attended to and assessed. After the assessment, it happened that he had to go for an X-ray examination. While going for the X-ray, he was still in handcuffs,” he stated.

    Mr Salifu emphasized that Wang Xiao left the clinic with the prison guards and has not returned since. He clarifies that the inmate did not escape while in KBTH custody and was not admitted to the hospital; it was a routine visit to the clinic for dental concerns.

    “But he left the clinic in the company of the prison guards. So, as far as we are concerned, the inmate left with the guards that came with him and he did not escape while in our custody,” he stated.

    “Let me mention that, the patient was not on admission. It was just a visit to the clinic and his condition did not require that he was admitted to the ward,” he added.

  • Ghanaian doctors earn $400-$1,500 while foreign peers take home $13,779 monthly

    Ghanaian doctors earn $400-$1,500 while foreign peers take home $13,779 monthly

    The issue of brain drain within Ghana’s medical community has sparked discussions and raised questions about the motivations behind the increasing number of healthcare professionals seeking opportunities abroad.

    Recent reports highlight the dissatisfaction among doctors and nurses in Ghana with regards to their salaries, leading them to pursue better prospects overseas.

    Head of the Department of Surgery at KBTH, Professor J.E. Mensah, in an interview with the media, disclosed that each month, at least three doctors from his department alone leave for “brighter prospects” overseas.

    This trend, he said, is not limited to a single department but is prevalent across various hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide.

    The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) reported that in 2022 alone, over 3,000 nurses and midwives left the country in search of better opportunities elsewhere, a worrisome trend.

    To better understand this unfortunate development, The Independent Ghana delved into the salaries that healthcare professionals are leaving behind and those they are pursuing.

    According to a report by the Business and Financial Times (B&FT), the average monthly salary for a medical doctor in Ghana ranges from $400 to approximately $1,500, even for senior doctors with decades of experience and those serving as medical school lecturers.

    In stark contrast, Forbes reports that doctors employed in the United States earn an average annual salary of $165,347 or more, equivalent to approximately $13,779 per month.

    This vast disparity demonstrates the significant difference in income between Ghanaian doctors and their foreign counterparts.
    The salary gap is equally pronounced among nurses. Quartz Africa states that a nurse in Ghana earns an average of $3,600 per year, while their counterparts in the United States earn an average of $73,550 per year.

    Professor Mensah highlighted that several Western countries aggressively recruit bonded nurses and doctors from Ghana, enticing them with irresistible salaries.

    This substantial wage disparity not only remains unfair but also severely impacts Ghana’s healthcare system. It contributes to brain drain, staff shortages, compromised service quality, low morale, and frequent strikes.

    To improve Ghana’s doctor-to-patient ratio and enhance healthcare services both locally and globally, urgent and drastic measures must be taken to incentivize healthcare practitioners to stay and contribute to the country’s medical sector.

    Being a doctor in Ghana is a noble profession where lives are saved, and essential healthcare is provided to millions. These dedicated professionals have invested years of study and training, often at great personal sacrifice. It is understandable that would they desire fair compensation for their unwavering dedication.

  • Korle Bu Hospital seeks Parliamentary approval for organ donation and harvesting

    Korle Bu Hospital seeks Parliamentary approval for organ donation and harvesting

    Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has appealed to Parliament for the legislation on organ donation and harvesting, as the hospital has successfully initiated a kidney transplantation with two surgeries.

    This program offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to dialysis, benefitting patients who previously faced the choice of costly treatments abroad or ongoing dialysis sessions.

    CEO Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah emphasizes the importance of a legal framework to support and regulate organ transplantation.

    “I am pleased that we have reached the point where, instead of bringing in foreign experts to perform the procedures, our local services are being used. And the areas for transplantation are not just limited to the kidney; we are also looking at liver transplant, cornea transplant, and other organs that can be transplanted.”

    “Ultimately, we also need enabling legislation to ensure that this is supported. This will allow for more transplantations to take place, so that we can ensure that most patients are taken off dialysis. This will also result in significant cost savings for individuals and the country as a whole,” he stated.

    First Skyy Group provides support to the KBTH Kidney Transplantation Program by assisting patients with a payment of $21,000 per transplant.

    Eric Seddy Kutortse, Executive Chairman of First Skyy Group, expresses the company’s support for the KBTH Kidney Transplantation Program, citing compassion for fellow human beings and a belief in using their wealth to support humanitarian causes as motivations.

    Kutortse encourages others to join in similar gestures, emphasizing that investing in humanity is a pathway to continued blessings from God.