Patients seeking outpatient care at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have been left stranded following the suspension of Out-Patient Department (OPD) services by doctors, effective Monday, May 4, 2026.

The industrial action, declared by the Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA), stems from an unresolved dispute between Laboratory Physicians and Medical Laboratory Scientists at the hospital’s Central Laboratory.

KODA says the decision was taken after prolonged tensions that are negatively impacting patient safety and clinical decision-making. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Association warned that the situation could escalate further if urgent interventions are not made.

“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.

According to the Association, the conflict centres on alleged restrictions imposed by members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, who it claims have limited access to the Central Laboratory and attempted to control who is permitted to practise within the facility.

KODA is demanding that all specialised laboratory results be reviewed and validated by qualified Laboratory Physicians before release. It also called for unrestricted access to laboratory systems and equipment for both clinical and academic work.

Additionally, the Association has urged hospital management to investigate alleged threats against its members and to implement disciplinary and protective measures to ensure staff safety and maintain operational integrity.

On policy, KODA opposed plans to introduce 24-hour specialist outpatient services, arguing that such care is already provided through the hospital’s polyclinic.

While acknowledging the inconvenience to patients, KODA maintains that the action is necessary to protect healthcare standards and ensure long-term stability at the facility.

“We regret the inevitable inconvenience to our patients; however, this action is necessary to ensure patient safety and the long-term stability and professional standards of the hospital,” the statement added.

The disruption is expected to significantly affect access to routine healthcare services at the country’s premier referral hospital if the impasse remains unresolved.