Korle Bu Doctors Association calls off strike

The Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA) has called off its strike action just hours after it began on Monday, May 4, 2026, following assurances from hospital management to address concerns over the exclusion of Laboratory Physicians from the Central Laboratory.

According to a report by 3news.com on May 5, 2026, the announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of KODA, Dr Asare Offei, and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

“The Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA) is formally notifying management and the public of the suspension of the strike action commenced this morning, Monday, May 4, 2026,” a portion of the statement said.

Korle Bu doctors withdraw all OPD services over laboratory dispute

Dr Offei explained that the decision followed a meeting held earlier in the day, as well as assurances from management to ensure that Laboratory Physicians return to their posts.

“We believe the peaceful coexistence of Laboratory Physicians and Medical Laboratory Scientists at the Central Laboratory is best for quality healthcare delivery,” he noted.

The Association has therefore urged its members to resume work on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

“By this letter, we entreat all KODA members to resume outpatient services from tomorrow, May 5, 2026,” Dr Offei added.

It will be recalled that on April 30, 2026, KODA petitioned the management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital over what it described as the unlawful exclusion of Laboratory Physicians from the hospital’s Central Laboratory.

The Association demanded the immediate reinstatement of all affected physicians by Saturday, May 2, 2026, along with an investigation into reported threats against some members, warning that the situation could lead to a withdrawal of services.

In a detailed statement issued on April 30, 2026, KODA said the development posed a serious threat to patient safety, professional standards, and the smooth delivery of healthcare services.

KODA explained that Laboratory Physicians including specialists such as pathologists, haematologists, and microbiologists have historically played a central role in Ghana’s healthcare system, dating back to the 1950s.

The Association noted that their contributions to medical training and clinical care are well established and internationally recognised.

KODA further alleged that members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists had effectively prevented these physicians from accessing the Central Laboratory.

It also raised concerns over credible reports of threats of physical harm against some of its members.

Describing the situation as “entirely unacceptable,” KODA accused the laboratory scientists’ group of overstepping its authority by attempting to determine who is permitted to work in the facility.

The Association also rejected claims that Laboratory Physicians are a recent addition to Ghana’s healthcare system, describing such assertions as “factually incorrect.”

Citing international best practices, KODA maintained that clinical laboratories should be led by qualified Laboratory Physicians, particularly due to their role in interpreting complex test results within a clinical context.

JKB/VPO

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