By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Ghanaian Minister for Health on Tuesday urged retired nurses and midwives to step in to attend to patients in public health facilities across the country while the nationwide strike undertaken by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives persist.
Addressing a press conference at the Jubilee House, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh observed that the move is for a brief period while the government engages the nurses and midwives to resolve their grievances.
“Given the urgency of the situation and suffering of patients, government appeals to public-spirited, retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services for a brief period pending the resolution of this impasse,” said the health minister.
Akandoh commended the nurses and midwives, who despite the industrial action are still working in the various health facilities.
“We further express our deep appreciation to practicing nurses who have opted to remain at post to help suffering patients and urge others to show similar fellow-feeling and assist our ailing compatriots even as efforts are made to address their concerns,” he added
The health minister reiterate the commitment of the government to continue to dialogue with members of the GRNMA with the view to resolving their grievances with full nursing services restored.
At least a total of 128 health officials belonging to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) are in the second week of an industrial action over what they describe as the failure of the government to implement their 2024 conditions of service agreement.
The agreement was reached and signed in May 2024, and implementation was due in July last year; however, a splinter group went to court to place an injunction on the implementation because they claimed what was signed was not adequate and that they were not consulted.
The strike, which began on June 3, was declared by the GRNMA and its allied associations after months of unsuccessful negotiations with the government over improved conditions of service, including allowances, risk benefits, and rural posting support.
The union has accused the government of failing to honor its commitments, citing stagnation in salaries amid rising cost of living and inflation.
Public healthcare facilities across the country have since been left operating with skeletal staff, causing significant disruption to healthcare delivery.
Emergency services have been prioritized, but many patients in public hospitals have reported delays or outright cancellation of care.
The GRNMA, for its part, insists that it will not call off the strike until tangible commitments are made by the government. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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