Doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) have resumed emergency services following a two-day strike that disrupted healthcare delivery in the northern region.
The decision came after a delegation led by Zangbalun Naa Dr. Yakubu II, on behalf of the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Naa Abukari II, met with both the hospital’s management and members of the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH).
The doctors initially withdrew their services over concerns about a hostile working environment, lack of basic medical supplies, and the recent dismissal of the hospital’s CEO, Dr. Adam Atiku, by the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The minister’s decision followed reports of alleged medical negligence that resulted in the death of a patient, Bavug Salim, who was left unattended for hours.
Though emergency services have resumed, the doctors are still demanding an official apology from the minister before returning to full duties, including services at the Outpatients Department.
In his appeal, Zangbalun Naa Dr. Yakubu II urged the doctors to consider the lives at risk.
“We implore you to consider the lives hanging in the balance. We urge you in the interim to find a way to ensure the continuity of emergency service,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the hospital, Dr. Salifu Alhassan Tiah called for unity and respect for the traditional authority, urging colleagues to heed the Overlord’s call and give peace a chance.
While the situation has temporarily eased, full resolution hinges on the Health Minister’s response and future engagements with the striking doctors.
