We’ll no longer tolerate being vilified over unmet healthcare needs — Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital

Doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital have issued a warning against what they describe as the growing trend of vilifying healthcare professionals for outcomes beyond their control, particularly when the health system fails to provide the basic resources needed for care.

This follows a heated exchange between the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Head of the Accident and Emergency Department at the hospital during a visit on April 22.

The visit, which was also attended by Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini, was prompted by the death of a patient who had been referred to the hospital.

“We wish to state unequivocally that if the current trend where basic requirements for health care are unavailable, only for health personnel to be vilified for poor outcomes, we will advise ourselves and take actions that may not guarantee industrial harmony,” the Association warned.

According to the hospital, the patient died due to the unavailability of a specialised procedure and a no-bed situation at the facility’s Emergency Unit.

However, videos of the Minister’s interaction with hospital staff — which have since gone viral, have triggered widespread criticism of the doctor involved.

In a statement issued on April 23, the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) defended their colleague and condemned the public scrutiny he has faced.

“Our colleague who is the Head of Department…has always discharged his duties professionally and diligently,” the statement said in part.

They described the media’s coverage and social media reactions as “an affront to all our members,” and criticised what they called the inappropriate interrogation of the doctor in public.

“The media in its reportage has painted a rather unfair picture… and has tarnished the image and reputation of our very hardworking colleague,” the Association noted.