Korle Bu finally reopens renal

Management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has reopened the Renal Dialysis Unit to out-patients following a directive by the Minister of Health.

The Unit was shut in May for partial renovation only to be reopened to patients at an increased cost.

Agitations over the proposed cost from GH¢380 to GH¢765.42 led to the immediate closure of the facility though intensive care was being administered for serious cases.

Management also launched internal investigations into how the proposed cost was charged patients when Parliament had not approved it.

The closure of the facility provoked public outcry with Parliament summoning the Minister of Health over the matter.

Even before he appears on Thursday, November 9, Kwaku Agyeman Manu directed the Management of the Hospital to readmit out-patients.

The directive was given on Thursday, November 2, according to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Health, Isaac Baah Ofei.

“The Minister has directed the Chief Executive Officer of Korle-Bu to, as a matter of urgency, see to the opening of the centre and so he directed as well that it is opened,” Mr Baah Offei disclosed in an interview on TV3.

TV3‘s Godwin Asediba reports from the Unit on Tuesday, November 7 that despite being reopened to out-patients, they have been asked to bring laboratory results before scheduling for dialysis.

According to him, this is a precautionary measure against potential bacteria from the procedures done in recent past at private centers.

“I am a bit relieved,” a kidney patient said.

“At least, it’s quite better than doing it outside. I am more comfortable doing it over here than outside. Korle Bu is the best.”

But some of the patients have raised concerns the facilities at the Unit may break down due to pressure from the over 251 of them seeking care.

According to them, if government does not beef up the number of equipment at the Unit, it may be shut down again in the next month or two.

Source:3news