Management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has responded to a viral social media video depicting five patients purportedly receiving medical treatment on the floor of its Accident and Emergency (A&E) Centre.
In a press statement released to address the growing public concern, the hospital clarified its position on the footage while highlighting the intense pressure currently facing the nation’s premier referral facility.
While acknowledging a recent “unprecedented increase” in emergency cases, the hospital has yet to confirm the video’s authenticity.
Management noted that in an era of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital content can be easily manipulated to support specific narratives.
”We require time to thoroughly review and investigate the claim in order to establish its accuracy,” the statement read.
Addressing the core of the controversy, Korle Bu management stated categorically that no patient received care on the floor.
The hospital explained that over the past two weeks, the A&E Centre has been overwhelmed by a surge in patients that exceeded its operational capacity.
Adhering to an ethical “no-turn-back” policy for critically ill patients, some individuals were temporarily seated on chairs while awaiting bed space.
”The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital does not condone or promote the provision of care on the floor under any circumstances,” the release emphasized.
To combat the perennial challenge of bed shortages, the Hospital Board has initiated several interventions.
The hospital has already procured and distributed 200 new beds across various departments to replace damaged ones and increase capacity.
Plans are underway to procure additional beds to ensure a buffer for future surges.
KBTH is intensifying its collaboration with the National Ambulance Service and the Ghana Health Service to streamline the referral process.
This aims to ensure patients are directed to appropriate facilities before Korle Bu reaches a breaking point.
The hospital management concluded by reaffirming its commitment to patient dignity and safety, calling on the media and the public for “continued understanding and shared responsibility.”
They urged stakeholders to support sustainable approaches to managing emergency care in the country.
By 1960news.com
