Death Row Grows As Korle-Bu Fee Hike Sparks Public Fury
A wave of dissatisfaction is sweeping through the corridors of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital as patients face the impact of a recent surge in service fees approved by Parliament.
The decision to significantly raise charges across various departments has drawn sharp criticism from citizens already burdened by economic struggles, amplifying concerns about access to essential healthcare services.
With fees skyrocketing by over 100%, patients are now confronted with the harsh reality of shouldering a heavier financial burden for medical treatment at the renowned facility.
Hospital authorities defended the fee adjustments citing rising operational costs, emphasizing the need to safeguard and improve service standards amidst financial challenges.
This move comes in the wake of a previous fee escalation in September 2023, notably affecting dialysis treatment costs and triggering a public outcry over affordability and patient welfare.
In September 2023, Korle-Bu unilaterally increased up to a 100% the cost of dialysis treatment to patients with renal conditions, leading to the death of many patients suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Many people at the time criticised the hospital for the increment and called on the authorities to include the cost of dialysis treatment in the National Health Insurance (NHIS) program to lessen the financial burden on patients, but the authorities turned a blind eye to those calls, leading to the loss of precious lives.
“We are in Accra and cost of living is unbearable. Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has doubled its charges. A service which used to be GH¢80 is now GH¢150 and I learnt our Parliamentarians accepted this proposal and passed it.
Expressing dismay over the fee hikes, a patient lamented the worsening cost of living in Accra and highlighted disparities in healthcare accessibility, raising questions about transparency and accountability in financial management at Korle-Bu.
Amidst allegations of internal irregularities, an anonymous hospital staff member voiced concerns about corruption compromising the hospital’s financial integrity and endangering its ability to meet patient needs effectively.
As Ghanaians grapple with escalating healthcare expenses and the implications of fee surges, the need for proactive measures to address governance and financial sustainability in healthcare institutions becomes increasingly urgent.