Dozens of patients were left frustrated and fuming as they arrived at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) on Thursday morning seeking medical attention, only to find empty consulting rooms with no doctors in sight.
Many queued along the corridors of the Out-Patients Department (OPD), wearing dejected expressions, while others looked on helplessly.
This follows a full-blown strike by doctors, who have downed tools citing a hostile working environment, a lack of basic medical supplies, and what they describe as an insult to their dignity by senior government officials.
Joy News’ Northern Regional Correspondent, Martina Bugri, reports that health authorities at the hospital were in a crucial meeting at the time of filing this report to find solutions to the crisis.
Some patients have resorted to seeking treatment at other facilities, but most remain gathered in despair, waiting for positive news from hospital management.
“Inpatient care will continue for our clients currently on admission until they are safely discharged,” the statement clarified.
The strike was triggered by the dismissal of the TTH’s CEO, Dr Adam Atiku, by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, over alleged mismanagement and medical negligence leading to a patient’s death at the hospital.
The minister’s visit was intended to assess the facility’s current state and gather first-hand information regarding the alleged negligence that resulted in the death of a patient referred to the hospital weeks earlier.
The deceased, Bavug Salim, was rushed to the Emergency Ward’s red zone in an unconscious state but was allegedly left unattended for several hours without explanation, leading to his death.
During the visit, a medical officer, Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, attempted to explain the circumstances surrounding the death, but the minister found the explanation unsatisfactory.
The minister also expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital’s overall condition and resource management, ultimately leading to the CEO’s dismissal.
Meanwhile, Mr Akandoh has urged doctors to return to work while the government addresses the numerous challenges hindering the hospital’s smooth operations.
“I am prepared to come to the table to discuss whatever needs to be discussed. I am the first person to look after your interests; therefore, let’s call off the strike,” he appealed.
However, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has refused to back down, demanding a public apology from Mr Akandoh for Dr Akwulpwa and the former CEO, citing humiliation and remarks that undermined their competence.
The GMA is also calling for immediate solutions to all the issues facing the TTH.
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