After a two-day walkout by medical doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s(KATH) Oncology unit over equipment acquisition, discussions are underway to resolve the issue and resume operations.
Management and striking oncology doctors have resumed negotiations to address the standoff concerning the acquisition of the Water Phantom, essential for calibrating Linear Accelerators used in targeted radiation therapy.
Speaking to JoyNews, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr Paa Kwasi Baidoo stated that, “Unfortunately, it was due to miscommunication. Yes, yesterday [Tuesday], again, I was in the operating room working but my colleague Dr Michael Lee who is the Chairman of the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association met them and when I was done, I spoke to a couple of them on the phone in the evening.”
“This [Wednesday] morning, they would be meeting with the management and as I have indicated this is just a misunderstanding and it would be resolved hopefully today [Wednesday] or soon”.
He explained that administrative delays sometimes make acquiring necessary items difficult, prompting their two-day walkout.
Speaking on behalf of the hospital, Kwame Frimpong said that emails have been sent to bankers as evidence of the credit process.
He added that, once the suppliers receive confirmation of the letters of credit, the equipment can be airlifted to Ghana within three days, followed by the arrival of engineers for installation.
“This information we believe is available to directorate because in large part they even gave us this information even though subsequently we have had email concerning this arrangement.”
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