Renal patients at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital are preparing to protest on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, over what they describe as authorities’ failure to release essential medical supplies currently held at the port.
The shortage of these critical consumables has led to the renal unit’s closure for three weeks, leaving patients without access to vital dialysis treatment.
However, the Public Relations Officer at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Mustapha Salifu, acknowledged the closure and assured that efforts are being made to clear the supplies and resume services.
In an interview with Accra-based Channel One TV, Renal Patients Association, represented by Kojo Baffour Ahenkora, expressed frustration over the government’s slow response, putting patients’ lives at risk.
According to Mr. Ahenkora, patients, many of whom are now paying GH¢800 per session for private dialysis, are demanding urgent government intervention to release the consumables from Tema Harbour. He again highlighted the financial strain on patients, many of whom cannot afford the high cost of private treatment.
He appealed to key government officials, including Dr. Okoe Boye and the Minister of Finance, to expedite the release of the critical supplies. The patients have vowed to picket at the hospital until their demands are met, as they can no longer endure the hardship caused by the delay.
By Gloria Amoh