By Amoako Kwame
Doctors at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have suspended all Out-Patient Department (OPD) services due to an ongoing dispute between laboratory physicians and medical laboratory scientists at the hospital’s Central Laboratory.
The industrial action, declared by the Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA), began on Monday, May 4, 2026. According to the association, the move follows prolonged tensions that are affecting patient safety and hindering effective clinical decision-making.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 3, KODA cautioned that the situation could worsen if swift action is not taken.
“KODA withdraws all Out-Patient Services (OPD) from Monday, May 4, 2026. Escalation towards suspension of in-patient services will be communicated in due course,” the statement said.
The association indicated that the action was triggered by what it described as the unlawful restriction of access to the Central Laboratory by members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists.
According to KODA, this has resulted in attempts to determine who is permitted to practise within the facility.
KODA also called on hospital management to investigate reported threats against its members and to implement the necessary disciplinary and protective measures to safeguard staff and ensure smooth operations.
The association is insisting that all specialised laboratory results be assessed and verified by qualified laboratory physicians before release. It is also advocating for full and unrestricted access to laboratory systems and equipment for both clinical and academic purposes.
