In accordance with a directive from the Health Minister, the management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has reopened the Renal Dialysis Unit to outside patients.
The facility reopened to patients in May after being closed for partial renovations, albeit at a higher cost.
The facility was immediately closed despite providing critical care for serious cases due to agitations over the proposed cost increase from GH¢380 to GH¢765.42.
Internal inquiries were also started by management to find out how patients were charged for the proposed cost even though Parliament had not approved it.
The facility’s closure incited public outcry, and the Minister of Health was called before Parliament on the subject.
Before Kwaku Agyeman Manu makes an appearance on Thursday, November 9, he gave the hospital’s management the order to readmit outpatients.
According to Isaac Baah Ofei, the Ministry of Health’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), the order was given on Thursday, November 2.
In an interview with Ghana360news, Mr. Baah Offei revealed, “The Minister has directed the Chief Executive Officer of Korle-Bu to, as a matter of urgency, see to the opening of the center and so he directed as well that it is opened.”
On Tuesday, November 7, Ghana360news correspondent, Issahak Mohammed reports from the Unit that although it has reopened to out-patients, they are now required to bring lab results in order to schedule dialysis appointments.
He claims that this is a preventative step against possible bacteria from recent procedures carried out at private centers.
One kidney patient said, “I am a little relieved.”
“It’s definitely preferable than doing it outside, at least. This is where I feel more at ease doing it than outside. The best is Korle Bu.
However, a few patients have expressed concern that the pressure from the over 251 people seeking care may cause the Unit’s facilities to fail.
They claim that the Unit might close again in the next month or two if the government does not increase the amount of equipment at the facility.
Source: Mohammed Issahak | Ghana360news.com
