Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Adam Atiku, has received the support of the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) following his abrupt dismissal by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The association in a statement has condemned half baked media stories portraying Dr. Atiku unfairly. According to them, the information being circulated does not accurately reflect events on the ground.
“Our colleague, the Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, has worked tirelessly to support patient care and has always discharged his duties professionally and diligently”.
The association explained that during the minister’s visit, the doctor was asked about the management of a referred patient, but the discussion degenerated into verbal exchanges.
“The media, in its reportage, has painted a rather unfair picture to the general public and has tarnished the image and reputation of our very hardworking colleague. We find this to be very unfortunate and an affront to all our members,”.
DATTH has urged the media to exercise greater responsibility when reporting on sensitive healthcare issues, especially those involving confidential patient information and the integrity of medical personnel.
“We call on the media to be circumspect in its reportage of these sensitive issues. “The wrongful vilification of doctors must stop.”
The association warned that continuous blame on healthcare professionals for poor patient outcomes despite lack of basic medical resources could lead to serious consequences.
“If the current trend continues, where basic requirements for health care are unavailable, only for health personnel to be vilified, we will advise ourselves and take actions that may not guarantee industrial harmony”.
Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced the immediate dismissal of Dr. Adam Atiku following a visit to the hospital.
During the visit, the minister raised concerns over how the hospital was being poorly managed, and the recent death of a patient at the hospital attributed to neglect.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Akandoh confirmed that a formal letter had been issued to communicate Dr. Atiku’s termination.
“As I speak to you now, we have thanked him for the services he rendered at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. We believe it is time for someone else to continue as CEO. He has been sacked with immediate effect.”
The dismissal comes amid growing scrutiny of the hospital’s operations, including allegations of negligence linked to the recent death of a patient.
Read full statement below
