Doctors at KATH Oncology Unit call off strike after management issued threat

Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi have called off their three-day strike, which took effect on June 24, 2024.

The decision follows a warning directive from the Chief Executive Officer of the Teaching Hospital, Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, to doctors in the Oncology Department.

The CEO's letter to the Head of the Department, Dr. Frances Margaret Hoyte Williams, outlined measures taken to address issues raised by the striking staff, including the procurement of a $110,000 water phantom piece of equipment, which is currently awaiting delivery.

The CEO deemed the strike action "unjustified, illegal, and unreasonable" and warned that failure to comply with the directive by June 26 would result in disciplinary actions.

Management of the Oncology Department, on June 26, 2024, held a meeting with the hospital's management and various union leaders.

After the meeting, the striking doctors communicated their decision to call off the three-day strike.

GHOne News' Ashanti regional correspondent, Isaac Justice Bediako, reported that "At the time I was leaving the hospital, several cancer patients were in the waiting room, waiting to hear positive news from the doctors."

Hospital management had engaged in several meetings with the striking staff to resolve issues, including repairing broken equipment and retooling.

However, the staff proceeded with the indefinite strike action on June 24, 2024.

The strike has left cancer patients unable to receive treatment at the department.

With the decision taken by the striking doctors, patients are expected to receive intensive care effective June 26, 2024.