The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has urgently called for a comprehensive national emergency care policy, attributing the country’s recurring ‘No Bed Syndrome’ to systemic failures and financial barriers.
In a statement released on February 24, 2026, the association emphasised that the current healthcare framework often compels professionals to prioritise administrative and financial procedures over immediate life-saving interventions.
A key demand of the statement is the immediate exemption of upfront fees for emergency cases.
GAMLS noted that critically ill patients, including those experiencing obstetric emergencies, strokes, or cardiac events, are frequently required to settle consultation, admission, and laboratory investigation fees prior to receiving medical attention.
“In emergency situations where minutes determine survival, such financial requirements can delay care and place lives at unnecessary risk,” the statement noted.
The Association is calling for a national directive to ensure no patient is denied care due to an inability to pay at the point of service.
Addressing the recent public outcry regarding negligence, GAMLS acknowledged the need for professional accountability.
However, the leadership cautioned against “premature attribution of blame” to frontline workers without considering the broader environment.
The association underscored the need for investigators to consider several systemic barriers affecting laboratory operations, specifically pointing to limited resources and crumbling infrastructure.
They emphasised that high workloads and constant referral pressures in urban hubs, combined with rigid institutional policies that prevent scientists from beginning work before payment, often hinder efficiency.
Ultimately, they argued that any evaluation of the sector must account for these constraints while prioritising strategic capacity expansion to improve service delivery.
To combat the “No Bed Syndrome”, GAMLS is advocating for a strategic expansion of emergency units, particularly in high-burden cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale.
The proposed interventions include upgrading accident and emergency centres, expanding critical care bed capacity, and integrating functional laboratory services directly within emergency units to reduce turnaround times for diagnosis.
Recognising the financial strain on hospitals, GAMLS proposed the establishment of a dedicated national emergency care fund and the strengthening of National Health Insurance (NHIS) coverage specifically for emergency services.
They also called for timely claims reimbursement to ensure that facilities remain operational while providing free stabilisation care.
“A comprehensive national emergency care policy is no longer optional”, the Association concluded. “It is an imperative for patient safety and health system resilience.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com
