Dr. Thomas Anabah, Member of Parliament for the Garu Constituency and a member of the Health Committee in Parliament, has shared his perspective on the ongoing tensions at the Tamale Teaching Hospital The conflict stems from calls by hospital staff for the Minister of Health to issue an apology over alleged remarks made during a recent dispute.
Speaking in an interview with Nana Dogbey on Ahotor FM, Dr. Anabah expressed doubts about the feasibility of the health minister apologizing. “Even if the minister made a mistake, you cannot demand that he apologizes to his subordinates,” he remarked. He emphasized the cultural value Ghanaians placed on respecting leaders and noted that, from his observations, there was no apparent wrongdoing on the minister’s part.
Dr. Anabah urged the striking hospital staff to prioritize the needs of patients, highlighting their professional obligation to serve. “The call by the minister for the staff to return to work and retrieve the necessary hospital equipment should be heeded,” he said. “Their duty is to save lives, and while grievances are valid, they must exercise patience and understanding. Prolonged strikes only harm vulnerable patients who rely on their expertise.”
Addressing the controversy, Dr. Anabah recounted his understanding of the conversation that allegedly sparked the dispute. According to him, there was no evidence that the minister disrespected the hospital staff. Instead, the minister had been inquiring about the circumstances surrounding a patient’s death, including concerns over ventilator availability.
He added that an exchange occurred when another official, Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini responded to remarks made by one of the doctors. The doctor had reportedly accused the minister of “hyping the death” of the patient, a comment that Dr. Anabah described as insensitive. “In any country, saying such a thing diminishes the value of the deceased,” he noted. “As a doctor, you can express concerns about inadequate equipment, but framing it in such a manner disrespects the grieving family and shifts focus from the real issues.”
Dr. Anabah clarified that the minister had been focused on resolving the matter and calming tensions, while Suhuyini’s reaction had been a response to the doctor’s controversial remarks. He called for cooler heads to prevail and urged the hospital staff to focus on their core mission of saving lives.
“The health sector’s challenges require constructive dialogue, not prolonged strikes. It’s time for all parties to work together to restore normalcy and ensure that the hospital fulfils its mandate,” Dr. Anabah concluded.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
