Bagbin urges emergency care law as Ghana grapples with ‘no bed syndrome’

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for urgent investigations and new legislation to tackle what he described as the country’s persistent “no bed syndrome”, warning that lives are being lost unnecessarily.

Speaking during parliamentary proceedings, Mr Bagbin said the House must press for accountability in cases where critically ill patients are turned away, and move quickly to pass an emergency care law.

The remarks come amid growing public anger over reports that some patients in critical condition are unable to access timely treatment because facilities lack beds, equipment or staff.

The debate has intensified following the death of 29-year-old engineer Charles Amissah, whose case has been widely discussed after reports that he was referred from one hospital to another in Accra without receiving prompt care.

While acknowledging the pressures faced by health workers, Mr Bagbin said the standard of care must not collapse under strain.

He pointed to instances where emergency patients have been stabilised in difficult conditions outside major hospitals, arguing that professionalism and basic compassion can make the difference between life and death.

Mr Bagbin suggested the crisis reflects both systemic weaknesses and lapses in attitude within parts of the health system.

He also backed calls from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga for Parliament to take a stronger lead in driving reforms.

Concerns about Ghana’s emergency response capacity have been raised in recent weeks by health professionals and ambulance officials, who have pointed to weak coordination, ageing ambulances and funding constraints as major obstacles to effective referrals and urgent care.