A group photograph of some of the health professionals at the event
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South in the Greater Accra region, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuje, has urged health professionals at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to forge a closer relationship with President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, he believes the president has the commitment and capacity to address the hospital’s longstanding health system challenges.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Performance Review of the hospital held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Vanderpuje stated, “We have to support our professionals in the health delivery system. I know our President very well, I know where his heart is when it comes to health and development of this country.
“He has done it before, and I am urging our professionals to get closer to him.”
He added that the innovations and constraints shared at the review must be brought to the attention of key decision-makers.
“If the Minister of Health, Finance, and the President are able to see these things I am seeing today, I am sure they will make a commitment,” he noted.
The Annual Performance Review, themed “Comprehensive KBTH performance assessment towards value-based patient-centered care”, was marked by major announcements from the hospital’s leadership.
Acting CEO of the hospital Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere described 2024 as a “year of milestones and momentum,” highlighting significant projects including the commissioning of a €38 million Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence, a digital OPD system, and the near-completion of renovations to the maternity block.
Despite these strides, Dr Owusu-Sekyere pointed out ongoing challenges including unstable electricity supply, delays in NHIS reimbursements, and the rising cost of key medical equipment.
“Only three of eight elevators are currently being replaced,” he said.
The hospital recorded over 506,000 patient visits in 2024 yet saw a slight decline in surgeries and deliveries.
Vascular surgeon Dr Lily Wu expressed pride in the hospital’s ability to perform advanced surgeries.
“We are able to do operations not done anywhere else in West Africa, reducing the need for patients to travel to Europe or America,” she said.
“Sometimes we don’t even need a blood transfusion or full anesthesia.”
Professor J.E. Mensah, Acting Director of the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence, however, lamented the high cost of some procedures.
“A laser fibre used to break stones can cost as much as GH¢10,000, which most patients cannot afford,” he revealed.
AM/KA
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