The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, is facing an unprecedented crisis. Surgical doctors have suspended all surgical procedures indefinitely due to a severe water shortage that has plagued the hospital since last week. This drastic measure was taken to safeguard patient safety and well-being, as the water supply challenge has made surgical operations unsafe and significantly affected essential healthcare services.
The hospital’s management has been formally informed of the decision through a memo issued by the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association on March 25 ¹. The memo emphasized the critical role of water in maintaining hygiene, conducting surgeries, and ensuring proper patient care. However, the ongoing shortage has compromised these essential functions, leaving doctors with no choice but to halt surgical cases temporarily.
Dr. Michael Leat, Chairman of the Association, apologized for the inconvenience caused by the suspension and assured that doctors remain committed to attending to existing cases ¹. The association has also urged hospital management to explore alternative water supply solutions and provide regular updates on efforts to resolve the crisis.
The situation has reached a critical level, posing serious risks to patient safety and healthcare delivery. The hospital’s management is working to find a solution, but the severity of the water shortage has forced them to rely on alternative sources, which have proven inadequate. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) is working to restore the water supply, but until then, surgeries remain suspended.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
