The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuje, has called on healthcare professionals at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to strengthen their connection with President John Dramani Mahama, expressing confidence in his ability to tackle the hospital's ongoing health system challenges.

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During his speech at the 2024 Annual Performance Review on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Vanderpuje remarked, “We have to support our professionals in the health delivery system. I know our President very well, I know where his heart is when it comes to health and development of this country. He has done it before, and I am urging our professionals to get closer to him.”

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He also highlighted the need to ensure that the challenges discussed at the review are brought before key decision-makers.

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“If the Minister of Health, Finance, and the President are able to see these things I am seeing today, I am sure they will make a commitment,” he added.

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The review focused on the theme “Comprehensive KBTH Performance Assessment Towards Value-Based Patient-Centered Care” and included significant updates from the hospital’s leadership.

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Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, the Acting CEO, described 2024 as a “year of milestones and momentum,” with notable developments such as the opening of the €38 million Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence, the introduction of a digital OPD system, and the near completion of renovations to the maternity block.

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Despite these advancements, Dr. Owusu-Sekyere acknowledged persistent challenges, including unstable power supply, delays in NHIS reimbursements, and the growing costs of medical equipment.

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“Only three of eight elevators are currently being replaced,” he noted.

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The hospital registered over 506,000 patient visits in 2024, though it saw a slight dip in the number of surgeries and deliveries. Dr. Lily Wu, a vascular surgeon, expressed pride in the hospital’s ability to perform specialized surgeries.

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“We are able to do operations not done anywhere else in West Africa, reducing the need for patients to travel to Europe or America,” she stated.

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She also mentioned that certain procedures could be performed without requiring blood transfusions or full anesthesia.

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Professor J.E. Mensah, Acting Director of the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence, raised concerns about the high costs of some procedures.

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“A laser fibre used to break stones can cost as much as GH¢10,000, which most patients cannot afford,” he revealed.

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