Management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has assured the public that a malfunctioning elevator at the hospital’s Surgical Department will be repaired and fully operational within two months, to support the timely delivery of emergency surgeries.

The assurance comes after the Neurological Department raised concerns over the breakdown of one of two elevators, which has disrupted emergency operations and patient transfers.

During a visit by Parliament’s Health Committee on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, KBTH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam said the delay in fixing the elevator was due to procurement approval challenges.

“The procurement has been done. There was some delay with the PPA, but it was finally approved, and we have given it to the vendor. The vendor has also engaged the manufacturer, and we have been assured that within two months, the elevator should be installed and operational. At the moment, only one elevator is working,” Dr. Adam said.

Dr. Adam also took the opportunity to urge Parliament to expedite legislation on organ harvesting, noting that the lack of a legal framework continues to push transplant patients abroad, despite local expertise.

“Currently, anyone who needs a kidney transplant must travel to India, America, or the UK, even though we have the expertise here. For cornea transplants, we have to import corneas from America at prices ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. With legislation, we could harvest corneas locally, bringing the cost down to about GHS500 for patients,” he explained.