Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Under Severe Pressure as ‘No Bed Syndrome’ Persists – Yaw Opare Larbi

The Deputy Medical Director of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Yaw Opare Larbi, has raised concerns over increasing pressure on the facility as the persistent “no bed syndrome” continues to strain operations at one of Ghana’s largest referral hospitals.

Speaking on PM Express on Joy News on Wednesday, Dr Larbi explained that the situation at KATH mirrors challenges faced by Korle Bu Teaching Hospital but, in some instances, is even more severe.

“What happens in Korle Bu is no different from what happens in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, but I will say that sometimes our situation is even worse. We are under more pressure,” he stated.

He attributed the growing strain to the hospital’s strategic role as the only tertiary referral facility in the Ashanti Region and a major treatment centre serving patients from across a wide geographical area.

According to him, the hospital continues to receive referrals from about 12 to 13 regions nationwide, in addition to serving residents of Kumasi and surrounding communities within the Ashanti Region.

Dr Larbi noted that the increasing number of referrals continues to stretch the hospital’s capacity, contributing to persistent bed shortages and operational pressure.

The resurgence of the “no bed syndrome” has once again drawn attention to systemic challenges within Ghana’s healthcare sector, particularly the heavy burden placed on major tertiary facilities expected to manage complex cases from across the country.

Health experts say the situation underscores the urgent need for expanded infrastructure, improved resource allocation, and strengthened regional referral systems to ease pressure on key institutions such as Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as demand for specialised care continues to rise.