The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi is currently grappling with a strike action initiated by doctors in solidarity with their colleagues facing eviction from their official residences. The strike, which commenced on Wednesday, March 13, has prompted management to engage with the medical doctors' leadership in efforts to address the underlying issues.
The genesis of the strike lies in the impending eviction of doctors from their official accommodations located in Danyame, a prime area in Kumasi. The residences are situated on government lands, part of which the Supreme Court ruled should be reverted to the Manhyia palace. Despite a notice of eviction served on the affected doctors about a year ago, the management of KATH has yet to secure alternative accommodation for them.
Dr Michael Leat, Chairman of the KATH branch of the Ghana Medical Association, highlighted the intimidation and harassment faced by the doctors from the private developer as a catalyst for the strike action. He emphasized the management's failure to provide alternative housing for approximately 20 affected doctors.
In solidarity with their colleagues, other doctors have joined the strike, resulting in disruptions primarily for new cases seeking treatment at the hospital. However, ongoing cases are still being attended to, mitigating the impact on patient care.
Mr Kwame Frimpong, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Hospital, assured that management is actively addressing the concerns of the doctors. Several meetings have been held with the association's leadership, urging them to exercise restraint in line with their professional duties. Additionally, management is engaging with relevant authorities, including the Regional Coordinating Council, the Lands Commission, and the private developers, to seek an amicable resolution to the accommodation dispute.
Patients at the hospital expressed disappointment over the strike, having travelled long distances only to encounter the absence of doctors. They appealed to hospital authorities to urgently find a solution to the impasse to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.