DR. (MED.) ABUBAKARI BAWAH ABDULAI                                                                                                                      CEO-TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL

April 2026 marks one year since I was entrusted with the responsibility of serving as Chief Executive Officer of Tamale Teaching Hospital, a milestone that offers an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the future of healthcare delivery in northern Ghana.

Over the past year, we have pursued a bold and shared vision to strengthen systems, improve patient care, expand specialist services, and reposition the hospital as a leading centre of excellence. These achievements have been made possible through the dedication, resilience, professionalism, constructive engagement, and unwavering commitment of staff, management, partners, and stakeholders.

As the saying goes, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself” (Henry Ford). This quote reflects the spirit that has guided our work over the past year. Together, we have demonstrated that when people unite behind a common purpose, meaningful transformation is possible. Indeed, together, we have made significant strides across several key areas of the hospital's operations and service delivery.

Governance and Leadership

Beginning with governance, where the Governing Board was constituted in record time, followed the appointment of directors and key appointments at the Sub-BMCs to reinforce management at decentralised levels. Statutory governing boards and management committees were subsequently established to improve oversight, while management also organised its first-ever leadership and communication training for directors, deputy directors, and heads of departments. For the first time in the hospital's history, an off-site retreat was organised for senior managers to strengthen teamwork, enhance leadership capacity, and foster a shared understanding of the strategic vision of the Chief Executive Officer and management. The retreat provided a platform for strategic reflection, collaboration, and alignment while promoting a renewed sense of commitment towards advancing the hospital's goals and improving organisational performance.

Overall, these governance measures create a well-coordinated, responsive, and accountable management system, which ultimately leads to improved efficiency, better patient experiences, and higher standards of healthcare delivery.

Enhancing Clinical Care

Efforts to strengthen governance and healthcare delivery at the hospital have been complemented by significant achievements in clinical care, service expansion, and specialised interventions. The hospital successfully facilitated free pacemaker implantation for nine patients through a partnership with Mount Carmel Hospital in the United States. In collaboration with Zero Blind Babies, the hospital also intensified specialised neonatal eye care through a Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening programme, under which 77 babies were screened, 12 diagnosed with ROP, and two successfully treated following timely intervention.

Further strengthening its role as a centre for specialist training and excellence, the hospital obtained accreditation from the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons for membership residency training in ophthalmology and ENT. The hospital's laboratory also attained a prestigious 3-star rating under the Ghana Health Service Clinical Laboratory Quality Improvement Programme in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reflecting marked improvements in quality assurance and diagnostic standards.

In line with efforts to improve emergency and critical care services, the capacity of the Accident and Emergency Department was significantly expanded with the addition of 30 new beds and the installation of piped oxygen systems across critical care units. Intensive Care Unit capacity was also increased from four to seven beds to enhance the management of critically ill patients. Essential diagnostic and support services, including CT scans, endoscopy, and general X-ray services, were revitalised, while key equipment such as autoclaves, ultrasound machines, theatre beds, and laundry systems were procured and upgraded. Collectively, these interventions have contributed to faster service delivery, improved patient safety, enhanced specialist care, and better clinical outcomes for patients across the hospital's catchment area.

Water Supply and Sustainability

Addressing the longstanding utility challenges, management improved water supply through sustained engagement with the Ghana Water Company Limited, complemented by the use of private water tankers to augment daily supply. To ensure long-term sustainability, a two-acre plot of land was acquired at Duko in the Savelugu Municipality, and an initial six boreholes have been sunk, with plans underway to mechanise them. These measures improve operational efficiency, ensure continuity of care, and strengthen hygiene and sanitation standards. In the long term, they contribute significantly to better patient outcomes and a more dependable healthcare delivery system.

Sanitation and Environmental Health

Sanitation across the hospital has also seen marked improvement through the rehabilitation of all washrooms, installation of waste bins, and enhanced environmental cleanliness, supported by a pilot public-private partnership arrangement that has improved sanitary conditions at the Accident and Emergency Department. These measures contribute to reduced infection rates, improved patient safety and satisfaction, and a more efficient and professional healthcare environment.

Security and Safety

At the same time, security has been strengthened through the strategic deployment of personnel across all entry and exit points, supported by the installation of CCTV systems, ongoing collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, and regular staff sensitisation on security awareness. Plans are far advanced for the establishment of a centralised CCTV monitoring room, while lighting infrastructure and fibre connectivity have been expanded.

Institutional Development & Staff Welfare

Institutional development and staff welfare initiatives recorded significant progress during the year, reflecting management's commitment to improving staff satisfaction, workplace efficiency, and patient experience. A repackaged medical fee subsidy scheme was introduced to support staff, their spouses, and up to three children, while staff identity cards were issued to approximately 70% of staff to improve identification, security, and ease of access within the hospital. In further efforts to enhance staff welfare, space was identified and personnel trained towards the operationalisation of a dedicated staff clinic, while processes are far advanced for the implementation of a comprehensive staff welfare scheme.

At the institutional level, key administrative and patient-centred structures were strengthened through the establishment of a Customer Care Services Unit and a Gender Desk Unit to improve responsiveness, accountability, inclusivity, and patient engagement. These interventions have created more structured mechanisms for addressing patient concerns, complaints, and feedback, while promoting equitable access to care and safeguarding vulnerable groups. In addition, the client waiting area at the Radiology Department was renovated and refurbished to enhance patient safety and comfort, and the Tailoring Unit was upgraded and relocated to a more suitable office space to improve operational efficiency and service delivery. Collectively, these initiatives have contributed to a more supportive working environment for staff and a more responsive and patient-friendly healthcare system.

Infrastructure Expansion

The provision of dedicated office space for the Orthopaedic and Trauma Sub-BMC improves coordination and administrative efficiency within the department. With better organisation and proximity of services, clinical teams can respond more effectively to trauma cases, streamline workflows, and deliver timely interventions, which are often critical in emergency and surgical care. A software solution is being introduced to modernise payment systems at 24-hour pharmacy points. This, when completed, will significantly enhance service delivery by reducing delays. Faster and more efficient payment processes ensure that patients can access medications promptly, particularly in emergency situations, thereby improving treatment outcomes and overall patient experience.

Expansion in infrastructure has a strong and long-term impact on the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of healthcare delivery. The construction of an ultra-modern main entrance and auxiliary facilities will improve patient flow, access, and overall hospital experience. The inclusion of an ATM hub within the facility will also support revenue generation and improve convenience for patients and families, ensuring easier access to funds for payments and related services.

Ongoing work on a cardiology centre and dialysis centre will significantly expand the hospital’s capacity to manage non-communicable diseases such as heart conditions and kidney failure. These specialised services reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for care, improve timely access to life-saving treatments, and enhance clinical outcomes. The planned radio-oncology centre represents a major advancement in cancer care. Once completed, it will enable the hospital to provide comprehensive cancer treatment, including radiotherapy, thereby reducing referrals to distant facilities and improving survival rates through early and continuous treatment.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

The hospital has further strengthened partnerships with key organisations and individuals. Collaborations with organisations such as AMPATH Ghana enhance clinical capacity through knowledge exchange, technical support, and improved models of care, particularly in specialised and complex medical conditions. This helps to improve treatment quality and introduces best practices that directly benefit patient outcomes.

Partnerships with organisations such as Roche, Jhpiego, Cure Blindness Project, Operation Smile, KidsOR and MEDEVAC Foundation have strengthened healthcare delivery, training, and research in the areas of oncology, ophthalmology, paediatric surgery, and obstetrics and gynaecology.

Support from the Ghana Medical Trust Fund contributes to strengthening infrastructure, equipment procurement, and access to critical healthcare services. Such financial and logistical support helps bridge resource gaps, enabling the hospital to expand services and improve care delivery.

Partnerships with individuals such as Wendy Shay also play an important role in supporting specific healthcare initiatives, often targeting areas of urgent need and complementing institutional efforts to improve patient care and welfare.

Our partnership with financial institutions such as OmniBisic Bank and others will further support operational efficiency and development initiatives through funding support and strategic collaboration.

LOOKING AHEAD

These achievements demonstrate what is possible when we work together with focus, discipline and determination.

As we commemorate this milestone, I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the Honourable Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Governing Board for the confidence reposed in me and the opportunity to serve. I also extend sincere appreciation to the Northern Regional Minister, as well as deputy directors, heads of department, and the entire staff for your unwavering support.

While we have made meaningful progress, there is still much work ahead. The future of Tamale Teaching Hospital is filled with promise, and I am confident that together, we will continue to transform this institution and redefine healthcare delivery in our region. Let us remain committed, united, and forward-looking as we continue this journey.