The Minority Caucus on Health has expressed serious concern over the suspension of emergency and outpatient services at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, as announced in a statement by the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH).
The doctors cited a hostile working environment, lack of basic medical supplies, and what they described as insults to their dignity by top government officials as reasons for laying down their tools.
Two days into protests by the health officials, the Caucus has acknowledged the weight of the decision and recognised it as a reflection of longstanding challenges.
“We do not underestimate the gravity of such a resolution, and we fully recognise that it stems from a deep sense of frustration, indignity, and structural neglect which must not be ignored,” the group noted in a press release.
Commending the dedication of the medical professionals at the facility, the Minority paid tribute to their ongoing commitment despite inadequate resources.
“We wish, first and foremost, to express our utmost respect and appreciation for the selfless service and extraordinary professional commitment of the doctors and staff of the Tamale Teaching Hospital,” the statement said. “In the face of constrained resources and immense professional pressures, you continue to uphold the sacred duty of care to the people of Northern Ghana and beyond.”
The Caucus further described the work of the hospital’s staff as “not only noble, but indispensable to the nation’s healthcare system”.
The NPP MPs further expressed concern over the consequences of the disruption in services, especially for vulnerable individuals who depend on the hospital for survival.
“We are, however, deeply concerned about the immediate and long-term implications of the suspension of critical services, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society who depend on TTH for urgent care,” the statement continued.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of the doctors’ grievances, the Minority appealed for reconsideration to prevent any dire consequences.
“We respectfully appeal to the leadership and general membership of DATTH to consider, as a matter of urgency, the possibility of rescinding this decision in the supreme interest of public health. We must also speak plainly: if the restoration of services is made contingent on an apology from the current Minister for Health, then regrettably, we fear that more lives may be lost before such a gesture is made,” the legislators added.
The group further highlighted the need for operations to resume without delay.
“It is our considered view that the focus must remain on the immediate resumption of lifesaving services while we in Parliament pursue appropriate institutional remedies and accountability measures through legitimate oversight channels.”
Reaffirming their solidarity with the medical staff, the Minority assured, “The Minority Caucus on Health stands firmly with you. We shall continue to amplify your concerns and ensure that the critical logistical, infrastructural, and administrative challenges you face receive the attention they deserve at the highest levels of public governance.”
They added, “Your welfare, dignity, and working conditions will form a central part of our oversight priorities in the coming months.”
The statement concluded with a call for cooperation and dialogue: “We call on all parties to prioritise constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and the paramount interest of the patients whose lives depend on a functioning health system.”
They pledged their readiness to support any initiative that would bring about “healing, restoration, and progress”.
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