Calm has been restored on the Tamale Instructing Hospital (TTH) following days of disruption attributable to an industrial motion by the Docs’ Association of Tamale Instructing Hospital (DATTH).
The medical doctors withdrew their services on April 23, 2025, in protest towards perceived disrespect, poor working situations, and logistical challenges, following a confrontation between a senior physician and the Minister of Well being, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, throughout his go to to the hospital’s Emergency Unit on April 22, 2025.
Eyewitnesses reported that an try by Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, the physician in cost on the emergency ward, to focus on critical challenges dealing with the hospital turned confrontational, leaving many employees members feeling insulted and demoralised.
This prompted the strike motion that paralysed providers on the Northern Area’s premier referral facility.
The scenario sparked broadunfold concern, as sufferers have been left stranded with out entry to important healthcare providers.
Recognizing the gravity of the scenario, the Overlord of Dagbon, His Majesty Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II, intervened by dispatching a high-powered delegation led by Zangbalin Lana Yakubu to interact hospital administration, well being staff, and regional stakeholders.
Moreover, the Parliamentary Choose Committee on Well being visited Tamale to work together with members of DATTH and assess the scenario.
Following these interventions, and in session with the Nationwide Govt Council of the Ghana Medical Affiliation (GMA), emergency providers at TTH have been restored at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, as an indication of goodwill in direction of sufferers.
Subsequently, the Minister of Well being expressed remorse over the unlucky incident and reaffirmed his respect for healthcare professionals.
He assured the medical doctors of his dedication to working with management to create a secure working atmosphere and to handle the hospital’s urgent logistical wants.
The Minister additionally privately apologised to Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, the physician concerned within the preliminary confrontation.
In an indication of fine religion, the Minister earlier donated important medical provides, including emergency medication, diagnostic gear, and protecting gear, to strengthen the hospital’s capability.
Following an emergency meeting held on April 26, 2025, the Docs’ Affiliation known as off the suspension of providers and resumed work instantly.
The Affiliation, nevertheless, outlined key resolutions, together with a dedication to the total resumption of providers on the hospital, collaboration with hospital administration and the Ministry of Well being to make sure the supply of logistics and a secure working atmosphere, and continued engagement with His Majesty the Yaa-Naa to handle systemic challenges.
In addition they known as on media homes to train equity and circumspection in reporting on health-related points.
The Affiliation additional cautioned that failure to fulfill logistical calls for within the brief to medium time period might compel it to rethink its stance.
They pledged to strengthen collaboration with different hospital employees to make sure steady improvement in healthcare supply.
Dr Salifu Alhassan Tia, Performing Chief Govt Officer of TTH, expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders whose interventions contributed to the decision of the deadlock.
“This has been a troublesome moment, however the collaboration proven by our conventional leaders, the Ministry of Well being, and our devoted employees demonstrates what we will obtain after we come collectively. We’re dedicated to restoring and even enhancing healthcare supply at TTH,” he mentioned.
Normalcy has since returned to the hospital, with full operations resumed throughout all departments. Nonetheless, residents and stakeholders proceed to name for systemic reforms to forestall comparable disruptions sooner or later.
FROM GEOFFREY BUTA, TAMALE
