Lab workers at the KBTH have threatened to embark on a strike action
The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Chapter of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU) has threatened to embark on strike action over what it describes as persistent failure by the management of the hospital to address critical leadership and operational issues relating to medical laboratory services, issuing a seven-day ultimatum.
In a statement, the local union said the move, follows among other things, “Management’s continued refusal to appoint a Head of Laboratory Services and a Laboratory Manager for the Korle Bu Central Laboratory, despite completed interview processes, and the removal of acting officers without replacement.”
The statement, which was signed by the local union chairman, John Kofi Nakoja, and addressed to the CEO of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, accused management of the hospital of withholding essential lab logistics needed for the operation of the laboratories, thereby affecting health service delivery.
“It appears management is also deliberately withholding essential logistics, resulting in serious operational disruptions, which poses risks to patient safety. Additionally, Management has pursued steps towards privatisation or outsourcing of the Central Laboratory without any engagement with the Union as a major stakeholder.
“These acts constitute administrative neglect and a breach of Management’s duty to ensure effective leadership, adequate resourcing, and continuity of essential health services,” it stated.
Accordingly, the union demands that within seven days of receipt, management should appoint a qualified Head of Laboratory Services; a substantive Laboratory Manager; a Director of Allied Health Services; and suspend any privatization or outsourcing agenda relating to the Korle-Bu Central Laboratory pending engagement with the union.
The union maintains that “Management’s failure to resolve the issues by February 4, 2026, will compel the union to advise itself accordingly.”
The union assured stakeholders that it shall remain committed in protecting patient safety and staff welfare.
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