KATH Anaesthetists Threaten Strike, Say CEO Suspension Won’t Fix Hospital Woes

The Komfo Anokye Certified Registered Anaesthetist Association, KACRA, has warned it will embark on industrial action alongside doctors if government fails to address deep-rooted challenges at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

The warning was contained in a statement issued Monday and signed by KACRA Chairperson David Karikari Amenku. The Association said it has been monitoring events at KATH following the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, but believes the move does not tackle the facility’s core problems.

Key concerns raised by KACRA includes Long-standing gaps in infrastructure, logistics, and resources, Rising patient numbers have increased pressure on staff and facilities, Limited medical tools amid growing clinical demands.

KACRA argued that health workers at the tertiary facility are operating under intense strain due to overcrowding and inadequate equipment. The group said sustainable investment is needed, not just changes in leadership.

Demands from the Association

includes Fast-tracking health infrastructure projects meant to ease congestion at KATH and improve care delivery in the Ashanti Region.

Provide modern medical equipment and expand hospital infrastructure immediately.

Reconsider the decision and adopt constructive engagement and collaborative leadership to solve operational challenges.

KACRA said if concerns raised by health worker groups are not addressed, it will join the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association, KADA, and allied unions in lawful industrial action. The Association stated that the move is aimed at protecting the welfare of health workers and maintaining patient care standards.

The development adds to ongoing tensions at KATH after doctors walked out of a meeting with the Ashanti Regional Minister last week, citing displeasure with a statement from the Ministry of Health.