Doctors Halt Procedures Over Patient Safety Concerns
Surgical doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi have suspended all surgical procedures due to an ongoing water shortage at the facility.The crisis, which has persisted since last week, has made surgical operations unsafe, significantly affecting essential healthcare services at one of Ghana’s largest referral hospitals.
Doctors Issue Memo on Suspension of Surgeries
In response to the dire situation, the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association issued a memo on March 25, 2025, formally notifying hospital management of their decision to halt all new surgical cases until the water supply is fully restored.
The memo highlighted the critical role of water in maintaining hygiene, conducting surgeries, and ensuring proper patient care. It further emphasized that the shortage has compromised these essential functions, leaving doctors with no choice but to suspend surgical procedures for patient safety.
This memo is to formally inform management of the decision taken by the Orthopaedic and Emergency Directorate to temporarily halt the admission of new patients until water supply is restored.”
Impact of Water Shortage on Healthcare Delivery
Despite efforts to manage the situation, the worsening water crisis has reached a critical point, forcing doctors to prioritize the safety of existing patients.
Dr. Michael Leat, Chairman of the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association, assured the public that existing patients will continue to receive medical care, while also apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the suspension of surgeries.
We deeply regret the impact of this decision on patients and their families, but in the interest of safety, we cannot proceed with surgeries under these conditions.”
Call for Urgent Intervention
The association has urged hospital management to explore alternative water supply options and ensure a sustainable solution to prevent future disruptions. They also called for regular updates on measures being taken to resolve the crisis.
With KATH serving as a major referral hospital in Ghana, the suspension of surgeries poses a serious healthcare challenge, raising concerns about the state of infrastructure and resource management in the country’s public health sector.
Source: ModernGhana