The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has recorded a mixed performance in the first half of 2025, with notable gains in specialist outpatient attendance, surgeries, radiology, and physiotherapy, but declines in areas such as emergency admissions, laboratory services, deliveries, primary care, and radiotherapy.
According to figures presented at the hospital’s mid-year performance review conference held in Kumasi on Tuesday, specialist outpatient attendance stood at 143,858, exceeding the target by five percent, while the Oral Health Directorate posted the strongest performance, surpassing its target by 21 percent.
The Radiology Directorate also outperformed expectations, completing 137,848 cases—a 10 percent increase above target—while additional radiological services nearly doubled projections, rising by 95 percent. Surgeries increased by seven percent, with 9,193 cases recorded, and physiotherapy services rose by 10 percent to 11,001.
Emergency attendance also went up by six percent to 13,314. Meanwhile, inpatient admissions fell by nine percent, but overall deaths dropped by 13 percent, which management described as a positive outcome.
However, emergency admissions fell short by 12.62 percentage points, laboratory services by 1.15 points, deliveries by 17.47 points, primary care by 7.77 points, and radiotherapy by 4.52 points against set targets.
Delivering his maiden address at the review conference since assuming office in May, KATH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, acknowledged the challenges but pledged to work with staff and stakeholders to reposition the hospital as a leading tertiary facility.
He noted that critical equipment such as CT scans, MRI machines, fluoroscopy units, oxygen plants, and sterilisation systems were either faulty or out of service, while vital facilities such as a Catheterisation Laboratory (CATHLAB) and mammogram machines were completely absent.
Several infrastructure projects, including the Sickle Cell and Blood Centre, the Doctors’ Office Complex, the psychiatry expansion project, and the renovation of the old “Gee” blocks, remain stalled.
Dr. Baidoo disclosed that engagement with the Ministry of Health, National Health Insurance Authority, Ghana National Petroleum Authority, Ghana Gas Company, and the Bank of Ghana was beginning to yield positive results.
Notably, the NHIA has commenced procurement of a CATHLAB for KATH and other hospitals to expand cardiac care services in Ghana.
He further announced ongoing policy reforms, including new guidelines on pharmacy residency training and opioid use, as well as a review of the hospital’s disciplinary code and duty rota system, aimed at improving efficiency, discipline, and patient care.
Looking ahead, the CEO outlined his broader vision to transform KATH into a “true centre of excellence” as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.
His priorities include comprehensive retooling, completing stalled projects, securing modern infrastructure, expanding clinical services, and improving staff welfare through performance-based reward systems.
“I cannot promise to resolve all the outstanding challenges in a month or two,” Dr. Baidoo said, “but with the support of government, staff, and stakeholders, I pledge to deliver to the best of my abilities and reposition KATH to meet the expectations of all.”
The event also recognized the service of Dr. Georgina Afua Sam, Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services, who retires next month after seven years of service to the hospital.
Source: starrfm.com.gh / Isaac Justice Bediako
