Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has addressed mounting tensions following his unannounced visit to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), stressing that he had no intention of disrespecting medical professionals during the encounter.
The visit, which took place on April 22, was reportedly triggered by the death of a patient, Bavug Salim, allegedly due to the lack of a functional ventilator at the hospital’s emergency unit.
A video of a heated exchange between Akandoh and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread debate and public criticism.
In protest, the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) indefinitely suspended emergency and outpatient services.
The group cited “unwarranted attacks” from the Health Minister and other officials and is demanding unconditional apologies along with the immediate provision of essential medical equipment and supplies before resuming full services.
But speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, April 24, the Health Minister recalled a personal experience to illustrate his empathy and commitment to the health sector.
“It can happen to anybody, it happened to me. When I had an accident, the first place I was rushed to was Nyinahini District Hospital. I never imagined that I would one day be at Nyinahini District Hospital, but I was there,” he said.
Reaffirming his respect for health workers, Akandoh noted: “And so, today, from where I sit, I will contribute my quota to the development of this sector. I have absolutely no intention to disrespect any medical doctor or health worker; that will be the last thing I will do. But let it be said that respect is reciprocal.”
He further stated his openness to collaboration, adding, “I’m prepared to work with everybody in the sector.”
He added, “My humble appeal to the medical doctors and health practitioners at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests. Therefore, let us call off the strike and let us all regroup and strategise the way forward.
“There are some of the things we can do with our internally generated funds, so please, let us confront the issues as they are,” he appealed.
Despite the minister’s clarification, the fallout from the visit has continued. His decision to dismiss TTH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adam Atiku, has been heavily criticized, particularly by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), which described the move as a violation of due process and an abuse of power. The association has called on the minister to issue an apology.
TTH: Patients stranded, consulting rooms empty as doctors begin strike
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