The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has confirmed reports of overcrowding at the Accident and Emergency Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, following the circulation of a viral video showing patients being treated on chairs and on the floor.
In a statement dated March 24, the Association said its independent checks, along with an eyewitness account, verified that the incident did occur.
This clarification comes amid earlier suggestions that the widely shared footage could have been artificially generated.
The GMA explained that such situations are not unique to Korle-Bu, noting that overcrowding can occasionally occur in health facilities during sudden surges in patient numbers.
In such instances, health workers are often compelled to improvise due to limited bed capacity and space constraints.
According to the Association, recent administrative directives issued by hospital management in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Ghana may have contributed to an increase in admissions beyond what the emergency centre can handle.
The GMA cautioned that implementing such directives without thorough assessment risks compromising patient safety and the overall quality of care.
To address the challenge, the Association called for a comprehensive and coordinated response.
It recommended improved bed management systems, stronger collaboration among health facilities, and increased investment in equipment, logistics, and human resources.
Additionally, the GMA proposed upgrading nearby facilities such as Usher Hospital, Mamprobi Polyclinic, and Kaneshie Polyclinic to help absorb overflow cases. It also advocated for the establishment of a national emergency coordination system to monitor bed availability and streamline patient referrals.
The statement further urged an urgent inter-agency meeting to develop lasting solutions to emergency care challenges across the country.
The GMA reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to strengthen emergency response systems and ensure safe and timely healthcare delivery nationwide.
Read full statement below:
