In a bid to revolutionize healthcare training and research, the Tamale Teaching Hospital has announced the acquisition of a $3 million grant from its partners for the construction of an ultramodern Simulation Center.

Set to commence later this year, the project aims to bolster research and the training of practicing health professionals and medical students from the University for Development Studies.

This announcement was made by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adam Atiku, during the institution’s annual performance review meeting held on the theme, “Changing the Narrative; Repositioning for Excellence.”

The gathering, attended by various stakeholders and development partners, served as a platform to assess past achievements, challenges, and chart a course towards enhancing healthcare delivery.

Despite acknowledging past turbulence, Dr. Atiku highlighted notable successes, including a significant increase in outpatient department (OPD) attendance.

The CEO said the intorduction of a polyclinic dedicated to primary healthcare saw OPD attendance surge from 79,000 in 2021 to over 180,000 in the year under review while specialist OPD attendance skyrocketed from 29,000 to over 50,000 in 2023.

Under the hospital’s training mandate, Dr. Atiku noted the attainment of accreditation for fields such as pediatrics, general surgery, neurosurgery, ENT, trauma, and orthopedics. He revealed that efforts were underway to secure accreditation for additional specialties this year.

However, amidst the achievements, Dr. Atiku expressed concern over the alarming increase in maternal mortality rates, which rose from 719 per 100,000 live births from 2021 to 1,210 per 100,000 births in 2023.

The Chief Executive Officer described the hyper surge as unfortunate but assured that there were ongoing collaborations with the Ghana Health Service to devise strategies for substantial reduction.

Acknowledging existing challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, equipment, and unreliable utilities, the Northern Regional Minister, who was a guest speaker at the event pledged the intervention of government.

Hon. Alhassan Shani Shaibu said to improve working conditions, plans are underway to commence construction of suitable accommodation for hospital staff, alongside efforts to address water supply issues.

He revealed that his office was in discussion with Ghana Water Company Limited for a dedicated pipeline to ensure uninterrupted water supply to the facility, which serves as a major referral center for the Northern region and beyond.