Per a direction from the Health Minister, the management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has reopened the Renal Dialysis Unit to outside patients.
The unit reopened to patients in May after being closed for partial renovations but at a higher cost.
The facility was abruptly closed despite providing critical care for patients in critical condition due to agitations about the anticipated cost increase from GH¢380 to GH¢765.42.
Internal inquiries into how the anticipated expense was billed to patients in the absence of Parliamentary approval were also started by management.
The facility’s closing incited public outcry, and the Minister of Health was called before Parliament over the issue.
Before Kwaku Agyeman Manu made his appearance on Thursday, November 9, he gave the hospital’s management the order to readmit outpatients.
According to Isaac Baah Ofei, the Ministry of Health’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), the order was given on Thursday, November 2.
“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,”
According to him, this is a precautionary measure against potential bacteria from the procedures done in the recent past at private centres.
“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.”
However, 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 the government does not beef up the number of equipment at the Unit, it may be shut down again in the next month or two.
