Ho Teaching Hospital urges government to absorb 13th Month Salary Policy

The Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) recently held its annual performance review meeting for 2024. During the meeting, Dr. John Tampuori, the Chief Executive Officer, appealed to the Central Government to take over the payment of the 13th-month Salary Policy for eligible staff.

Currently, this policy, which is part of the staff's conditions of service, is funded through the hospital's Internally Generated Funds (IGF). However, this has become a significant challenge for the hospital as it depletes the IGF. Dr. Tampuori emphasized that this policy primarily benefits doctors, pharmacists, and allied health workers. He suggested that the government should either renegotiate the conditions of service or provide a budgetary allocation to resolve this issue and prevent potential unrest and strikes among staff.

The annual performance review report indicated that in 2024, the hospital allocated 3.99% of its IGF for salaries and 9.56% for compensation. Despite having a youthful workforce, the hospital is facing a high attrition rate among experienced staff, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

Additionally, the report highlighted the need for adequate accommodation for staff, noting that high prices and insufficient housing are significant concerns. With only 240 beds available and no expansion since its designation as a teaching hospital, service delivery is being affected.

Dr. Tampuori announced that construction has begun on the expansion of the emergency ward, which is expected to be completed within eight months. This project aims to address staff concerns and improve service delivery.

The 2024 annual performance review meeting also focused on stakeholder participation in innovative tertiary healthcare for medical tourism. The event drew attendees from teaching hospitals across the country and aimed to position the Ho Teaching Hospital as a destination for medical tourism.

Hon. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, praised the hospital's service delivery and affirmed the government's commitment to equipping the hospital with innovative technology. He encouraged the hospital to build strong partnerships with stakeholders and mentioned the budget allocation for upgrading the hospital in 2025.

Hon. Gunu also pledged to reconstitute the Hospital Management Board, which is currently non-functional. The hospital's management has been advocating for the board's reconstitution to ensure effective governance and decision-making.urrently non-functional. The hospital's management has been advocating for the board's reconstitution to ensure effective governance and decision-making.