Information gathered by Adom News indicates that surgical operations at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital are still at a halt following the breakdown of equipment at the Anaesthestic Department. For over a month now the Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines used to measure and regulate heart beats during surgeries has not been repaired. The hospital’s Pulse Oximetry used in both the operating theatre and post-anaesthetic care unit has also broken down and doctors at the surgical ward are only attending to emergencies. According to previous reports, authorities at the hospital specified that the equipment would be repaired as a temporary measure to manage the situation. However, as of Wednesday July 6, 2011, hospital sources have confirmed to Adom News that patients are being tossed up and down because the equipments have not been repaired or replaced. Meanwhile authorities at the hospital deny that no department at the hospital has been closed down except for a few broken down equipment which would be repaired and announced in time. Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, Mr Tony Goodman has confirmed that his Ministry has taken delivery of some equipment that has been transferred to the hospital for installation. He however disclosed that the installation will take some time before the unit will be reopened for operations. “The ministry has taken delivery of some equipment and we have handed it over to the hospital for installation. I hope that by the end of next two weeks installation will be complete,” he assured. Meanwhile, a father of a hole in heart patient has told Adom News that his son who is due for surgery has been offered several postponements although he has been able to raise the needed amount for the operation. “Prior to the surgery, I did not have the money but over three months I have been able to gather the money and till date, the surgery has not been conducted. Anytime I go there they keep piling drugs on us but they have not indicated any sign for the surgery.” Story by Maame Esi Nyamekye Thompson/Adom News/Ghana