Korle Bu doctors withdraw all OPD services over laboratory dispute

Doctors at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have withdrawn all Out-Patient Department (OPD) services, leaving many patients stranded.

The withdrawal of services reportedly stems from a dispute between Laboratory Physicians and Medical Laboratory Scientists over operations at the facility’s Central Laboratory.

The industrial action, declared by the Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA), takes effect on Monday, May 4, 2026, after weeks of mounting tension that doctors say is beginning to affect patient care and clinical decisions.

For patients who depend on the OPD for routine consultations, the development has brought uncertainty and frustration.

In a statement issued on Sunday, May 3, 2026, KODA warned that the situation could worsen if swift action is not taken.

“KODA withdraws all Out-Patient Services (OPD) from Monday, May 4, 2026. Escalation towards suspension of in-patient services will be communicated in due course,” the statement said.

At the centre of the impasse is a disagreement over access and control of the hospital’s Central Laboratory.

Korle Bu doctors threaten to strike on May 2

KODA alleges that members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists have unlawfully restricted access to the lab, effectively determining who is allowed to practise within the facility.

Doctors argue that this situation is not only unprofessional but dangerous, as it interferes with the timely review of critical test results that guide treatment decisions.

KODA is therefore demanding that all specialised laboratory results be reviewed and validated by qualified Laboratory Physicians before being released.

It is also insisting on unrestricted access to laboratory systems and equipment to support both patient care and medical training.

Beyond the technical disagreements, the Association has raised concerns about the safety of its members, calling on hospital management to investigate alleged threats and take steps to protect staff while restoring order.

The dispute has also opened a broader debate about healthcare policy at the hospital.

KODA has strongly opposed plans to introduce 24-hour specialist outpatient services, arguing that continuous outpatient care is already being provided through the Korle-Bu Polyclinic and that expanding services under current tensions could further strain the system.

Despite the disruption, the doctors acknowledge the burden placed on patients but maintain that the decision was unavoidable.

“We regret the inevitable inconvenience to our patients; however, this action is necessary to ensure patient safety and the long-term stability and professional standards of the hospital,” the statement added.

NA/VPO