Government pilots electronic bed management system to tackle no-bed syndrome

The government is introducing an electronic bed management system to improve the coordination and availability of hospital beds, particularly in emergency units, as part of efforts to address Ghana’s persistent no-bed syndrome.

The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the initiative while presenting the 2027 Budget in Parliament on Thursday, November 12.

He said the pilot phase of the system had commenced, with a command centre established at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge, and the integration of the National Ambulance Service.

According to him, the system is expected to improve the coordination and utilisation of hospital beds by providing better information on availability, particularly for patients requiring emergency care.

“Mr Speaker, an electronic bed management system is being introduced to improve the coordination and utilisation of hospital beds, particularly in emergency units to address the persistent no-bed syndrome,” Dr Forson told Parliament.

He said the pilot phase had begun, with the command centre at Ridge serving as a key part of the initiative.

The Finance Minister also outlined measures to strengthen pre-hospital emergency care through the National Ambulance Service.

He said the Service had established three new ambulance stations and two regional workshops, operationalised fuel and fleet management systems, and commissioned five main workshops in Accra, Ho, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale.

Additionally, the Minister said 3,550 personnel had been trained in first aid and basic life support, 220 ambulances insured, and accreditation secured for the Paramedic Training School.