Mahama Directs Hospitals to Stabilise Emergency Patients Before Referral

According to a report by Channel One News published on November 6, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama has directed hospitals across Ghana to stabilise emergency patients before referring them to other facilities, as part of renewed efforts to address the persistent “no-bed syndrome” in the country’s healthcare system.

The President issued the directive while addressing the 68th Annual General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), where he outlined measures to improve emergency healthcare delivery and prevent avoidable deaths.

President John Dramani Mahama stressed that hospitals must not turn away patients in critical condition simply because they lack available beds. He insisted that emergency patients must receive immediate assessment and stabilisation within the facility’s capacity before arrangements are made for further treatment elsewhere.

He explained that the government’s approach to addressing the no-bed syndrome would involve improving the entire emergency healthcare process, from the initial call for assistance and admission to treatment, referral and safe discharge.

The directive follows renewed public concern over emergency patients experiencing difficulties securing treatment at hospitals, sometimes resulting in delays that threaten their lives.

To improve referral coordination, the government is piloting an Integrated Bed Management and Referral Coordination System through the Ministry of Health. The system is expected to help hospitals and ambulance teams identify facilities with available capacity and coordinate patient transfers more efficiently.

The pilot involves major facilities, including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, the 37 Military Hospital, the University of Ghana Medical Centre and the National Ambulance Service.

President John Dramani Mahama also announced plans to expand Accident and Emergency departments at four major hospitals, targeting emergency bed capacity equivalent to at least 10 per cent of each facility’s functional bed capacity.

The expansion will cover Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital, with work expected to begin in 2027.

The President emphasised that additional beds must be supported by trained medical personnel, functioning equipment, oxygen and essential supplies to ensure patients receive appropriate treatment.

He further announced that the Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital would open to the public to provide additional capacity for emergency cases.

The measures form part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen emergency services, improve hospital coordination and ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate medical care.

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