The Chairman of the Korle-Bu Doctors Association, Dr. Asare Offei, has highlighted the daily challenges faced by health workers at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, describing the “no-bed syndrome” as a long-standing problem.
His comments follow recent public debate after the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer dismissed a viral video showing patients lying on the floor.
Dr Offei speaking in an interview onJoy news, he explained that the situation at the facility is one of constant pressure, with emergency units often operating beyond full capacity.
According to him, patients used to be redirected to other facilities when there was no space. However, with directives to stop turning patients away, all cases are now kept at the hospital, worsening congestion.
He noted that when beds are full, some patients are made to sit on chairs while receiving treatment, while others who are too weak end up lying on the floor.
“They are still given the best care possible under the circumstances,” he indicated, adding that the situation is not new but has gained attention due to recent media reports.
He urged the public to understand that the issue has existed for years and should not be treated as a sudden development.
Dr Offei called for a collective approach to address the problem rather than assigning blame, stressing that acknowledging the reality is the first step toward finding solutions.
He spoke about the impact of the situation on healthcare workers, explaining that treating patients in such conditions makes it difficult to carry out proper medical examinations.
He said examining a patient in a sitting position or on the floor limits the ability of doctors to gather accurate information for diagnosis.
Dr Offei further described the situation as unprofessional and below standard, warning that it could expose doctors and nurses to legal risks if questioned about their methods of care.
He added that the physical strain on health workers is another concern, as bending or squatting to treat patients on the floor could lead to long-term health problems.
He therefore called for urgent steps to reduce congestion and improve conditions at the hospital, noting that healthcare workers should not be forced to operate under such circumstances as a routine.
By: Jacob Aggrey
