Health Minister receives probe report on Tamale hospital patient death

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has received the official report from the three-member committee set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Bavug Salim, a patient at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).

The committee was constituted in response to allegations of negligence on the part of hospital staff, following public outcry over the case.

It was given two weeks to conduct a thorough probe and present its findings to the Ministry. On Tuesday, 26 August, the panel officially submitted its report to the Minister.

Presenting the report, committee chairman Dr Abdul Ibrahim Mohammed explained the scope of the inquiry and the processes undertaken.

According to him, the team held about 12 sittings and engaged all stakeholders directly involved in the case.

“We met with the family of the deceased, his friends, hospital staff, particularly those who were within the Accident and Emergency Department, and other relevant personnel. During the months of May and June, we were able to engage all parties and also assess the protocols and Standard Operating Procedures in place at the hospital,” Dr Mohammed disclosed.

He declined to share the full details of the findings, noting that they remain confidential until reviewed by the Health Minister.

Receiving the report, Mr Akandoh described the case as a matter of significant public concern, stressing that government is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the health sector.

“This became an issue of public concern, but once the committee has sat on it and the report has been presented, the people of this country must know that the report has been presented,” he stated.

The Minister assured the public that the recommendations of the committee would not be left unattended.

He pledged that the findings would be made public at the appropriate time and that all measures necessary to address any gaps in patient care at the Tamale Teaching Hospital would be implemented.

Mr Akandoh emphasised that government remains resolute in addressing issues of negligence in healthcare facilities.

 He added that strengthening accountability systems in hospitals is a key step toward restoring public confidence in the sector.