…. Introduces New Digital Monitoring System
By Philip Antoh
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has introduced a new digital monitoring system aimed at ending the ‘no-bed syndrome’ that has long plagued Ghana’s premier hospitals, a problem that previously claimed lives and tarnished the reputation of past governments.
The system provides real-time information on bed availability at participating health facilities, enabling the minister and health authorities to confirm whether hospitals have space before patients are referred elsewhere.
Speaking at a media demonstration of the system, Mr. Akandoh explained that the lack of reliable bed data has often led to patients being turned away from facilities that still have capacity.
“We have to first make proper use of what we have before looking at expansion, because there are instances where there will be empty beds elsewhere, yet you go to another facility and they tell you the place is full,” he said.
“It is just because we don’t have visibility on the number of beds we have in the whole country.”
Monitoring from the Minister’s Office
According to the Minister, a small committee was set up to develop a system that allows him to track bed availability from his office through digital screens.
Apart from the bed counts information, the platform will also flag patients who have spent more than 24 hours in emergency departments, prompting the Minister to query prolonged stays and determine whether there are clinical or operational reasons behind them.
“So, for example, in Korle Bu, if somebody goes there and is told there are no beds, I will be able to confirm from these screens whether or not that is the case,” he explained.
“Whether or not a patient has been at emergency for more than 24 hours. There may be good reasons why a patient is there, but I will begin to inquire, why has this patient been on this bed for more than 24 hours in an emergency?”
He stated that hospital officials would be required to explain the circumstances of such cases, helping management identify challenges and make better use of available resources.
Better Management, Not More Beds
The Minister was quick to stress that the technology is a management tool, not a solution to the shortage of physical beds.
“This will not necessarily add physical beds, but it will help us to manage what we have,” he said.
He said the system is currently being piloted at teaching hospitals and other selected facilities.
Mr. Akandoh said the system would be rolled out in regional hospitals once the pilot phase has been tested and strengthened, before extending nationwide.
“When we finish, the regional hospitals, it will be tested, and when we think it is solid and can go to the district level, we’ll also put all of them on,” he said.
Part of Wider Reforms
The planned expansion is expected to give health authorities a broader picture of bed availability across the country and improve the coordination of emergency care.
The minister said the monitoring system forms part of wider reforms aimed at reducing congestion in emergency departments and maximising existing health infrastructure.
He said the NDC government is also considering the addition of emergency beds and expanded facilities at major hospitals to complement the technology-driven approach.
The ultimate objective, Mr. Akandoh said, is to improve access to emergency care and increase the chances of survival for patients across the country.