The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana’s second-largest referral center, has been forced to suspend all non-emergency surgical procedures due to a severe water shortage that has persisted for over ten days.
The hospital’s management described the crisis as a major disruption to essential healthcare delivery. “For a hospital of this magnitude to lack running water for over a week is deeply concerning. We’ve worked tirelessly to mitigate the impact, partnering with the Ghana Water Company, the National Fire Service, and private water tankers to supply us daily. Unfortunately, it’s still not enough given our high consumption demands,” said Kwame Frimpong, KATH’s Head of Public Affairs.
The lack of water has significantly hampered infection prevention and control measures, forcing doctors to prioritize emergency cases while suspending new surgeries. “Surgical procedures rely heavily on water for sterilization and hygiene. Without adequate water, it’s impossible to maintain the high standards required for patient safety,” Mr. Frimpong explained.
This predicament has left many patients in urgent need of surgeries stranded, heightening concerns about the broader implications for public health.
The Ghana Water Company attributed the shortage to a burst in a major transmission pipeline near Abrepo, which requires temporary closure of the Abrepo-Bohyen road to facilitate repairs. Efforts are reportedly underway to restore water supply, but no specific timeline has been provided.
In the wake of the crisis, KATH management has appealed to the government for a permanent solution. “A dedicated water line for the hospital is urgently needed to prevent future disruptions of this magnitude,” Mr. Frimpong stated.
The incident has reignited public debate about the resilience of Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure and the urgent need for investments to safeguard critical facilities against utility disruptions. For now, patients and staff at KATH remain at the mercy of the ongoing water shortage, anxiously awaiting relief.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
