<<Print>>

The Al-Hajj is not against the dissolution of any board or for that matter that of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, once that board is found wanting in the discharge of its duties. However, the statement made by Hon. Alban Bagbin during his familiarization tour of the Korle bu Teaching Hospital on Tuesday 21st February, 2012 to the effect that given the opportunity he would not hesitate to recommend the dissolution of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Board has to be looked at from three perspectives. Much as he reserves the right as Minister of Health to comment on or address issues that fall within his purview, we at the Al-Hajj believe there is more to it than just that. In the first place, Mr. Bagbin�s recent visit to the hospital was reported to be a familiarization tour-for purposes of briefing by managers of the hospital and to know at first hand their challenges. But indeed it turned out to be a fault-finding one as he clearly demonstrated. He is quoted as saying �is this what you call a centre of excellence for health care delivery?� A glaring pre-determined statement based on pure speculation and heresy. Secondly, the Honourable minister�s public pronouncement to the effect that he would not hesitate to recommend the dissolution of the board is seen by us at the Al-Hajj as premature. This is because, as Health Minister he constitutes and dissolves boards in the Health ministry on behalf of the president. In the circumstances, should he find the need for the board to be dissolved, he first must advise the President and not come out publicly before seeking the president�s consent for the purpose. Finally, should the Hon. Minister base his pronouncement on alleged bad press suffered by Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in recent times as the yardstick, as reported in the media, then we find it bizarre and out of context for the reason that he has been in office as Health Minister for barely a week and could not have had all the facts at his disposal as to warrant a statement of that sort. Hon Bagbin as Health Minister is a high ranking member of the NDC party and government which has equally suffered bad press over the past three months in respect of the Woyomegate saga and the cocaine-turned soda scandal. Has anyone in this regard called for dissolution of the Atta Mill�s government? This sort of machoism will not resolve the problems and challenges at Korle Bu. Let Us Be Real Mr. Minister!