Health Minister’s approach to TTH incident was disrespectful — Minority

The Minority in Parliament has accused Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh of showing disrespect towards healthcare workers at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) following an altercation after the demise of a patient at the facility.

Their reaction follows a recent clash between the Health Minister, Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini, and some health professionals during a visit to the TTH on April 22.

In the aftermath, doctors at the facility suspended emergency and outpatient services indefinitely, demanding an unqualified apology from the minister and the MP for what they described as disrespectful conduct towards one of their colleagues and the staff at the Accident and Emergency Department.

The industrial action has, however, been discontinued following the intervention of the Overlord of Dagbon on Friday.

In a statement issued on Friday, April 25, the Minority said the Health Minister’s actions not only disrespected health workers but also demonstrated a disregard for the professional workforce across the country.

“It is important to state that the Health Minister’s approach to conflict resolution at the TTH demonstrates disrespect and negative behaviour and must be of concern to every well-meaning citizen and healthcare worker,” the statement read in part.

They argued that the doctors’ demand for an apology was justified, insisting it was about upholding the dignity of health professionals.

“The doctors’ demand for an apology to the revered doctor and other affected health workers is not an overstretch – it is within their right to dignity,” they stressed.

The Minority further called on President John Dramani Mahama to step in and reprimand the minister.

“We call on the President to address this issue by reprimanding the minister to show the way in promoting a culture of civility and respect towards the hardworking Ghanaian workforce,” the statement added.