Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced plans to strengthen 24-hour healthcare delivery in respect to Out-Patient Department services across all units of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as part of efforts to improve patient care and ease pressure on the facility.

The  Minister made this known during an emergency working visit to the hospital, following a viral social media video alleging that patients were being treated on the floor due to a shortage of beds at the Accident and Emergency Department.

Speaking after touring the facility, Hon. Mintah Akandoh indicated that while the hospital is operating under significant strain, there is a renewed focus on ensuring continuous, round-the-clock care for patients across all departments.

According to him, the goal is to ensure that services do not slow down after peak hours, with all units functioning efficiently throughout the day and night to improve patient outcomes and reduce delays in treatment and admissions.

“We must move towards a system where patient care is truly a 24-hour service across the hospital, with seamless coordination between departments to ensure that no patient is left waiting unnecessarily,” he stated.

The Minister also highlighted plans to establish an IT-based command centre to enhance real-time coordination of patient referrals and ensure that cases are directed to facilities with available capacity.

The Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, acknowledged the challenges facing the facility and disclosed that the introduction of 24-hour service delivery across departments would be implemented in phases.

According to him, the hospital is working towards the full rollout of continuous care services, but the process will be gradual to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

“This is not something that can be achieved at once. The 24-hour service across the hospital will be introduced gradually as we strengthen the necessary systems and resources to support it,” he stated.

The Minister commended healthcare workers for their dedication despite the challenges and reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the hospital through infrastructure expansion, including additional beds and new facilities such as a maternity block.