Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital reopens renal Unit but authorities threatens to close it again if….

Management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has finally heed to the cry of the public to reopened the Renal Dialysis Unit to out-patients following the Health minister’s directive.

The Unit was closed down in May for partial rehabilitation only to be reopened to patients at a very exorbitant price.

Serious concerns raised over the proposed cost from GH¢380 to GH¢765.42 led to the immediate shut down of the facility though intensive care was being administered for serious ailments that needs immediate intervention.

Management has launched intensive investigation internally into how the proposed increase of the services was charged patients when Parliament had not approved it.

The closure of the facility prompted public outcry with Parliament summoning the Minister of Health over the matter to brief the house.

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 reporter from the Unit on Tuesday, November 7 that despite being reopened to out-patients, they have been queried to bring laboratory results before scheduling for dialysis.

In his view, it is the 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 stored up the number of equipment at the Unit, it may be closed down again in the next month.