The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has assured that the government is implementing measures to reduce the growing pressure on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, September 4, Dr Amoakohene explained that KATH currently receives referrals from nearly eight regions, a situation that has overstretched its capacity.

He revealed that the government, in consultation with the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate and the management of KATH, has developed a plan to address the challenge. Under this arrangement, he said, consultants and medical residents will be deployed to district hospitals that frequently refer patients to KATH.

“We sat with the Regional Health Director, together with the new CEO of KATH, to map out those hospitals that make rampant referrals and see how best we can send consultants and residents down there instead of bringing every case to KATH.

"It has become unbecoming, with patients queuing for theatre space when some district hospitals have equally well-equipped theatres and qualified personnel who can carry out surgical procedures,” Dr Amoakohene explained.

The Minister added that by redistributing specialists across the region, KATH will be able to focus on major interventions, in line with the Asantehene’s call to restore the hospital’s efficiency.