The Ag. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), DR. (Med) Paa
The Ag. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, has signaled his determination to prioritise staff welfare even in the face of the urgent need to look for resources to address the critical equipment challenges facing the hospital.
He said though he had assumed office at the time many critical equipment at the hospital such as its three C.T. scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and sterilization machines were down thus requiring the injection of substantial resources in addressing the challenge, he was determined to find innovative ways to motivate staff so that they would continue to give off their best for patients.
Dr. (Med) Baidoo, who stated this during his maiden durbar with staff of the hospital in Kumasi yesterday, said as a first step, his management has taken a decision to reduce the amnesty period for recognizing the certificates of staff members who pursued further studies without approval from five years to four years.
He has also directed the Human Resources Management Unit to take immediate steps to clear all outstanding promotions and conversions so that staff members could benefit from enhanced remunerations attached to such upgrades.
“I wish to reiterate that I am prepared to work with and for you and therefore, fully committed to improving the working conditions of all staff members in acknowledgement of the huge challenges they face in terms of workload and inadequate logistics in the midst of the high patient flow at the hospital,” he stated.
The durbar was part of a series of engagements being held with internal and external stakeholders by the Ag. CEO since his assumption of office last month in line with his ongoing efforts to promote transparency, strengthen communication, and foster collaborative problem-solving spirit within the hospital.
The well-attended durbar focused on several strategic and operational issues including midwifery and nursing care concerns, introduction of home delivery of medicines to patients, the declaration of KATH as an alcohol and drug-free institution and the delayed processing of the salaries of staff at the Controller and Accountant General’s Department.
Another highlight of the durbar was the introduction of a home delivery system for medications, aimed at enhancing convenience and access to treatment for patients with chronic but stable conditions. The main objective of this new service, which is being executed in partnership with the Ghana Post, is to reduce the inconveniences and risks faced by stable patients who travel from all over the country come to the hospital just for their refill medications.
The meeting also used to remind staff members about the declaration of KATH as an alcohol and drug-free institution. The policy, according to management, was part of a broader commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and professional environment for both staff and patients. Staff were told that another fundamental aim was not to punish staff with such afflictions but help them to seek treatment.
During the open forum, staff members took the opportunity to raise questions, make suggestions, and commend management for its openness and engaging leadership.
Management pledged to follow up on all issues raised and promised to continue the engagements with staff. The durbar ended on a high note with renewed optimism among management and staff for shared commitment to advancing the hospital’s mission of providing quality, patient-centered healthcare.
