Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) is preparing to fully resume all its services. This follows a recent meeting between the doctors’ union and the Health Minister. Dr. Salifu Alhassan Tia, Head of Pharmacy at TTH, said emergency services have already started, but full service depends on ongoing talks in Accra.
The talks were supported by traditional leaders. The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, sent a delegation to speak with the striking doctors. This helped to restore partial operations at the hospital.
Emergency services return after traditional leaders intervene
The strike at TTH had stopped most medical services. After the meeting with the Yaa Naa’s delegation, doctors agreed to return to the Accident and Emergency Department.
Dr. Tia said the local doctors could not end the full strike on their own. The national leaders are handling that part in Accra. He added that doctors are now working in the emergency unit and attending to urgent cases.
What caused the doctors’ strike
Doctors at TTH began their strike due to poor working conditions. They also complained about late salaries and a shortage of basic supplies. These problems led to a halt in medical care for many people in the Northern Region.
Right now, only emergency services are working. Other departments like surgery, pediatrics, and internal medicine are still closed. The full reopening of the hospital depends on the outcome of talks with national leaders.
Health Minister involved in negotiations
The Minister of Health is now speaking directly with the national leaders of the Ghana Medical Association. These talks aim to end the strike completely and bring back full services at TTH.
There is no official statement yet, but sources say the talks are moving forward. A final decision could be reached in the coming days.
Role of the Yaa Naa in solving the crisis
The Yaa Naa’s involvement was a major step. His delegation showed that the strike had become a serious issue for the community. Their visit helped ease tension and convinced the doctors to resume emergency services.
Hospital staff and residents in Tamale welcomed the move. Many believe it was key to preventing more harm to patients.
What patients should expect next
Even though emergency care is now available, most hospital services are still not running. Patients who need care in other areas may have to wait.
Dr. Tia said the hospital will fully reopen only when the national union gives approval. He advised the public to follow hospital updates and visit only for emergencies.
The wider health system is also under pressure
The TTH strike is part of a bigger problem. Many public hospitals in Ghana are dealing with staff shortages and funding issues. Doctors and nurses are asking the government for better support and faster action.
Health experts warn that these strikes could affect more regions if no long-term solution is found. They urge the government to invest more in the health sector to avoid future problems.
