The Deputy Medical Director of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Yaw Opare Larbi, has raised concern over the growing pressure on the facility as the “no bed syndrome” persists.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, he said the situation at KATH mirrors what is happening at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, but with even greater strain.
“What happens in Korle Bu is no different from what happens in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), but I will say that sometimes our situation is even worse… we are under more pressure,” he said.
He explained that the hospital’s unique position makes it a critical referral centre, stretching its capacity.
“Because in Komfo Anokye, it is the only tertiary facility in the Ashanti region, and also for quite a big distance,” he noted.
According to him, the scale of referrals continues to intensify the hospital’s burden.
“And we receive referrals from about 12, sometimes we even say 13 regions of Ghana, apart from our own people in the city of Kumasi and the Ashanti region,” he said.
His comments highlight the deepening strain on major public hospitals, where demand for care continues to outpace available space and resources.
The “no bed syndrome,” which has resurfaced in recent months, has exposed systemic pressure points in Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly in tertiary facilities expected to handle complex cases from across the country.
For KATH, the situation is compounded by its role as the main referral hub for a wide geographical area, making it a destination for patients far beyond the Ashanti Region.
As concerns mount, the spotlight is once again on the structural challenges within Ghana’s health system and the urgent need to address capacity constraints at key referral hospitals.
