The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Chapter of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU) has threatened to embark on strike action over what it describes as persistent failure by the management of the hospital to address critical leadership and operational issues relating to medical laboratory services, issuing a seven-day ultimatum.
It’s Notice to Embark on Industrial Action, the local union said, follows among other things, “Management’s continued refusal to appoint a Head of Laboratory Services and a Laboratory Manager for the Korle Bu Central Laboratory, despite completed interview processes, and the removal of acting officers without replacement.”
In addition, the Notice, which was signed by the local union chairman, John Kofi Nakoja, and addressed to the CEO of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, accused the Management of the hospital of withholding essential lab logistics needed for the operation of the laboratories, thereby affecting health service delivery.
“It appears Management is also deliberately withholding essential logistics, resulting in serious operational disruptions which poses risks to patient safety.
“Additionally, Management has pursued steps towards privatization or outsourcing of the Central Laboratory without any engagement with the Union as a major stakeholder.
“These acts constitute administrative neglect and a breach of Management’s duty to ensure effective leadership, adequate resourcing, and continuity of essential health services,” the Notice stated.
Accordingly, the Union demands that within seven days of receipt of this notice, Management should appoint a qualified Head of Laboratory Services; a substantive Laboratory Manager; a Director of Allied Health Services; and, suspend any privatization or outsourcing agenda relating to the Korle-Bu Central Laboratory pending engagement with the union.
The union maintains that “Management’s failure to resolve the issues by 4th February, 2026 will compel the Union to advise itself accordingly.”
The union assured stakeholders that it shall remain committed in protecting patient safety and staff welfare.
The Notice is copied to the National Labour Commission, and Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.
