The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has reported a significant increase in emergency admissions, with the Accident and Emergency Department now treating more than 100 patients daily, up from the previous average of 50 to 70 cases.
Speaking on the growing pressure on the facility, Dr. Henry Bulley, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, said the hospital’s 50-bed emergency unit is operating beyond its intended capacity due to the sharp rise in both trauma and medical emergency cases.
Rise in Medical Emergencies and Road Traffic Accidents
Dr. Bulley explained that the department is seeing an increase in serious health conditions, including:
- Stroke cases
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Severe diabetes complications
- Kidney diseases
- Domestic injuries
- Road traffic accidents
He noted that, except for women in labour and children with non-trauma medical conditions who are managed in specialized units, most emergency patients are referred directly to the department.
Severe Malaria and Kidney Disease Cases Raise Concern
According to Dr. Bulley, healthcare professionals are increasingly treating patients with severe complications from illnesses that were once easily managed.
He revealed that adults who previously sought treatment for malaria with mild symptoms are now arriving unconscious, with many also suffering from acute kidney injuries.
The emergency specialist said medical experts have not yet identified the exact causes behind the worrying trend but stressed the need for comprehensive scientific research.
Illegal Mining and Environmental Factors Under Consideration
Dr. Bulley suggested that environmental issues, including the possible effects of illegal mining (galamsey), may require further investigation.
He explained that since food and drinking water are sourced from different parts of Ghana, researchers should carefully study whether environmental pollution is contributing to the increase in severe medical emergencies before drawing conclusions.
Emergency Department Data Shows Rising Patient Numbers
Hospital statistics indicate that the Accident and Emergency Department managed 7,781 emergency patients by the end of June 2026, compared to:
- 7,108 cases in the same period in 2025
- 7,910 cases in 2024
- 7,362 cases in 2023
The figures highlight the continued demand for emergency healthcare services at Ghana’s largest referral hospital.
Road Traffic Accident Cases Continue to Increase
Road crashes remain a major contributor to emergency admissions.
By the end of June 2026, the department treated 553 road traffic accident victims, representing 7.11% of all emergency cases.
This compares with:
- 379 cases (5.33%) in 2025
- 368 cases (4.65%) in 2024
- 384 cases (5.22%) in 2023
Despite the increase in accident victims, the hospital reported improved survival outcomes.
Improved Emergency Care Reduces Accident Fatalities
Dr. Bulley attributed the lower mortality rate among accident victims to improvements in emergency medical care, including the availability of more emergency physicians and specialized emergency nurses.
By the end of June 2026, the hospital recorded 10 road accident-related deaths, representing a 1.81% mortality rate, compared with:
- 7 deaths (1.85%) in 2025
- 12 deaths (3.26%) in 2024
- 7 deaths (1.82%) in 2023
He said enhanced emergency response and improved patient stabilization techniques have contributed to better survival rates for critically injured patients.
Festive Seasons Increase Emergency Admissions
Dr. Bulley identified Christmas, Easter, New Year holidays, long weekends, and school vacations as periods when emergency cases rise sharply.
He explained that increased travel, alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and unsafe driving practices contribute significantly to road traffic accidents during festive periods.
Children also experience more injuries during school vacations, placing additional pressure on emergency healthcare services.
Call for Stronger Road Safety Campaigns
Dr. Bulley called for intensified road safety education, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, and stronger preventive measures to reduce road crashes and other avoidable injuries.
He emphasized that improving public awareness and promoting responsible road use will help reduce the burden on emergency departments while saving lives across Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com