The exodus of Ghanaian professionals in search of better working conditions outside the country has reportedly infected the ranks of the most senior doctors, the consultants at the Korle Bu hospital.

Their departure rate is such that there are fears that it might lead to the closure of the University of Ghana Medical School, where most of them are lecturers.

Many of the consultants who have served the hospital for over 20 years and above and who have contributed to making the medical school what it is now are leaving for places like Saudi Arabia. A report in The Mirror says that one medical school in Saudi Arabia has as many as 11 Ghanaian lecturers on its staff.

According to Prof. Pobee, the Vice-Dean of the Medical School, the causes of the exodus of the medical lecturers are varied. He mentioned poor conditions of service, lack of equipment and tools to work.

Asked to confirm the story that Britain’s Royal College of Surgeons had written a report about the unsatisfactory state of the Medical School after a recent visit by eir representatives, Prof. Pobee said in their report although they were alarmed by the state of the staff and equipment, their main concern was the library which they felt was far behind time and needed to be upgraded. Prof. Pobee warned that many will continue to leave until such time that the Government decides to do something about the state of affairs of the hospital.

And to sum up Prof. Pobee remarked that the state of the Medical School is hanging in the balance.

“To some of us, the hospitals are becoming deserted, desecrated and decimated like disused cemeteries.”