The Emergency Medicine Society of Ghana (EMSOG) has defended the decision by management of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to temporarily suspend admissions at its Accident and Emergency Centre, describing the measure as a necessary response to severe overcrowding and patient safety concerns.
In a statement issued on June 4, 2026, EMSOG responded to a query from the Ministry of Health directed at the Chief Executive Officer of KATH regarding the hospital’s announcement that its Accident and Emergency Centre was full and unable to admit new cases.
The society acknowledged the Ministry’s mandate to ensure accountability within the healthcare sector but stressed that the circumstances leading to the temporary suspension should be assessed within the context of internationally accepted emergency care practices.
According to EMSOG, the decision was not taken unilaterally by hospital management but followed extensive consultations involving hospital leadership, emergency care professionals, clinical teams and other stakeholders after an assessment of overcrowding, resource constraints and risks to patient safety.
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The society explained that emergency departments around the world may implement temporary diversion or controlled admission measures when faced with critical capacity challenges. It said such actions are considered standard practice in emergency medicine when available resources have been exhausted and patient safety is at risk.
EMSOG expressed concern that any punitive action resulting from the query could discourage healthcare managers and frontline professionals from taking necessary decisions aimed at protecting patients during periods of extreme operational pressure.
“Healthcare managers and emergency care practitioners must be supported in making difficult but necessary decisions that prioritise patient welfare and safety,” the statement said.
The society further called on authorities to take into account broader challenges facing emergency departments across the country, including overcrowding, limited inpatient bed capacity, delays in transferring patients from emergency units and growing demand for emergency healthcare services.
EMSOG reaffirmed its commitment to promoting evidence-based emergency care practices and advocating policies that improve patient flow, strengthen safety standards and enhance access to emergency services.
The statement also highlighted the importance of maintaining effective emergency care systems as Ghana remains on heightened alert for Ebola Virus Disease and other emerging public health threats. It noted that safe patient flow, efficient triage systems, infection prevention measures and adequate emergency care capacity are critical to safeguarding public health.
READ: KATH resumes admission of critical emergency cases after congestion relief measures
EMSOG pledged to continue working with the Ministry of Health, hospital management, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s emergency healthcare system and ensure the delivery of safe, timely and quality care.
The statement was jointly signed by EMSOG President, Dr. Daniel Osei-Kwame, and General Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Acheampong.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
