TTH doctors declare indefinite suspension of emergency and outpatient services

Doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) have suspended all emergency and outpatient services indefinitely.

They cite a hostile work environment and lack of basic medical supplies. They also feel insulted by top government officials.

The Doctors’ Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) made this announcement after an emergency meeting on Tuesday. Their members will no longer provide services at the General OPD, Antenatal Clinic, Specialist Clinic, and Paediatrics OPD.

“Inpatient care will continue for clients currently admitted,” the statement said.

The doctors' protest stems from an incident during Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s visit on April 22, 2025. They criticized what they call “false and biased reportage” from several media outlets covering the visit.

They demand public apologies from the Health Minister and Tamale North MP Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini. These apologies should be directed to Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, all medical staff, and specifically to the Accident and Emergency Department team.

“We will resume services after we receive appropriate apologies,” the doctors stated.

Beyond apologies, they list serious infrastructure and resource deficits affecting patient care.

Their urgent demands include:

- Constant water and electricity supply
- Steady provision of oxygen and critical medical supplies
- Reagents for lab services
- Vital signs monitors for high-dependency units
- Ventilators for various wards
- Transport ventilators and incubators
- Repairs to sterilization equipment

In the medium term, they seek advanced diagnostic tools like an MRI machine that doesn’t rely on helium. They also want a CT scan with an infusion pump, mammography machines, C-arm for theatre use, ABG machines in ICUs, and mobile X-ray units.

“We will take further action if these demands are not met quickly,” their statement warned.

Additionally, they demand retractions from media houses that reported what they consider false information about the incident.

Until these apologies are issued, DATTH will not engage with those media outlets.

The doctors also stated that if any member feels threatened while working at TTH, they will leave immediately for their safety.