The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured the public of the government’s resolve to tackle the persistent “no bed syndrome” challenge in the country’s health facilities.

His comments follow a visit to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after a widely circulated video appeared to show several patients receiving treatment on the floor at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre.

In response to the footage, management of the hospital dismissed the claims, explaining that although the facility has experienced an unusual surge in emergency cases over the past two weeks, no patient was treated on the floor.

The increase in admissions, they noted, has placed considerable strain on available bed space.

After assessing the situation and receiving a briefing from hospital authorities, Mr Akandoh indicated that measures are being reviewed to improve patient flow and reduce congestion.

He stressed the need for stabilised patients to be transferred or discharged within a reasonable timeframe, suggesting a 24-hour limit after initial care.

He also urged referring health facilities to ensure patients are properly stabilised before being sent to Korle Bu, rather than transferring cases prematurely due to space constraints.

The Minister further revealed that expansion works are currently underway at both the medical and surgical wards, as well as the maternity ward, with the aim of increasing capacity and easing pressure on the hospital’s infrastructure.

“I think that we have to revise that one and make sure that the person doesn’t stay more than 24 hours after stabilising it. And I will also, I mean, appeal to all the health facilities that refer patients to this place to try to stabilise the patients before they get here. You don’t just push the people and say there’s no bed here, so go to Korle Bu. And so that’s something we have to look at,” the Minister said.