After three weeks of closure, the out-patient Renal Dialysis Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has been reopened to the public.
This follows the delivery of essential supplies needed at the unit to treat patients with kidney problems.
The KBTH Renal Unit was closed down three weeks ago by the hospital management due to the shortage of essential commodities.
During this period, the management assured it was working to clear the essential commodities which were stuck at the Tema Port.
A statement issued on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, by the hospital management indicated that all consumables at the Tema Port will be cleared by the end of the week, allowing the unit to resume full operations.
However, with the prompt delivery of the consumables, the hospital scheduled dialysis sessions to begin effective yesterday, Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
The statement said, “Apart from this emergency consignment, the Ministry of Finance has granted a tax waiver to expedite the clearance of the second container at the Tema Port.
“We anticipate receiving these additional supplies within the week, further strengthening the availability of the essential consumables for our services.”
The hospital expressed gratitude to the Ministries of Health and Finance, as well as other stakeholders, for their support in ensuring the timely availability of consumables.
The hospital also appreciated the patience and cooperation of its renal patients during the period.
No Deaths Recorded
Meanwhile, the KBTH management has denied recording any death at the Renal Dialysis Unit during the period of shortage of dialysis consumables.
This follows reports alleging the deaths of 20 renal patients at the facility.
A statement issued by the hospitals described the publication as false and attributed the misinformation to a misinterpreted media flyer and sensationalised online commentary on social media platforms, particularly Facebook.
“There is no truth to the claim that Korle Bu Teaching Hospital lost 20 renal patients this year because of a shortage of dialysis consumables.
“We have no record of any deaths during the period of shortages at the Renal Dialysis Unit,” the statement clarified.
Regarding the claims of unpaid debts, the teaching hospital confirmed that the Ministry of Health has cleared all arrears owed to suppliers.
The statement emphasised, “Currently, Korle Bu does not owe GH¢6 million to any supplier, as falsely alleged.”
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri