The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has made a fervent appeal to doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital to suspend their strike and engage in dialogue.
The medics withdrew emergency services after a confrontation between the minister and a doctor during an unannounced visit to the facility.
“We must talk to resolve this impasse,” Mr. Akandoh emphasized during a press conference in Accra. “I am prepared for us to come around the table and discuss whatever we need to discuss,” he added, urging the doctors to return to work.
The strike stems from the minister’s altercation with Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department. The doctors are demanding an unconditional apology from Mr. Akandoh and a Member of Parliament, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, for the perceived slight.
The medics have also outlined several conditions for resuming work, including improved infrastructure, steady supply of medical essentials, and regular laboratory reagents. Mr. Akandoh assured that he prioritizes the interests of healthcare professionals, saying, “My humble appeal to my wonderful medical doctors and health professionals at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests.”
The minister denied any intention to disrespect the medical fraternity, stressing, “That would be the last thing I would do. But indeed, let it be said that respect is also reciprocal.”
He attributed the confrontation to a misunderstanding and expressed willingness to listen to the doctors’ concerns.
The situation at the Tamale Teaching Hospital remains tense, with patients bearing the brunt of the strike. Mr. Akandoh’s appeal for dialogue offers a glimmer of hope for a resolution to the crisis.