Tamale Teaching Hospital Strike Leaves Patients in Despair, Severely Disrupting Healthcare Access

A wave of frustration swept over patients at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) on Thursday as they arrived seeking medical care, only to find deserted consulting rooms and no doctors available.

Long lines of dejected individuals filled the corridors of the Out-Patients Department (OPD), while others waited helplessly for some form of assistance.

The strike action, initiated by doctors, has brought the hospital’s operations to a standstill. The doctors are protesting what they describe as a toxic working environment, a lack of essential medical supplies, and the disrespect shown to their profession by senior government officials.

In an official statement following an emergency assembly meeting, the Doctors’ Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) confirmed that services would no longer be provided at several key departments, including the General OPD, Antenatal Clinic, Specialist Clinic, and Paediatrics OPD. However, inpatient care would continue for those already admitted.

The strike follows the dismissal of Dr. Adam Atiku, the hospital’s CEO, by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, after an investigation into the alleged mismanagement and negligence that led to the death of a patient. The patient, Bavug Salim, died after being left unattended in the emergency ward for hours, sparking outrage.

During a visit to the hospital, Minister Akandoh expressed dissatisfaction with both the hospital’s operations and its leadership, leading to Dr. Atiku’s dismissal. Akandoh has since called for doctors to return to work as the government addresses the hospital’s issues, promising to work on a solution.

However, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) is holding firm, demanding a public apology from the Minister and calling for swift action on the challenges facing the hospital.

The GMA’s stance underscores the growing tensions between medical professionals and the government.