Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital CEO suspended over emergency unit closure
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The Ministry of Health has defended the suspension of Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital KATH, following his decision to close the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre. The Ministry stated that the suspension is an administrative measure to facilitate an independent investigation into the closure, citing Dr. Baidoo's alleged failure to follow established administrative procedures and contradicting a directive from President John Dramani Mahama. The President had instructed all public health facilities to ensure emergency patients are treated and never turned away. Dr. Baidoo's public announcement suspending admissions at the emergency centre was reportedly made without approval from the KATH Board or the Ministry of Health. The Ministry clarified that Dr. Baidoo is suspended only from his administrative position, not as a medical practitioner. This action has led to industrial action by the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association and the hospital’s local nurses’ chapter, which the Ministry described as unfortunate. Government officials are appealing to the striking staff to return to work and use established dispute resolution mechanisms. The Ministry has directed the Ghana Health Service to ensure emergency healthcare services remain accessible and highlighted ongoing interventions in the health sector, including hospital retooling and the National Bed Management System.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
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