The Ministry of Health has reiterated its appeal to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to rescind its decision to proceed with the industrial action, as they dialogue to find a solution to the matter.
To minimize the effect of the strike started by the GRNMA on Monday, June 2, the Ministry has directed all heads of the various units to ensure that continuous healthcare services, including maternity and emergency care, are available at all health facilities.
Over 128,000 nurses and midwives across the country began a roadmap to withdraw their services from Monday June 2 following their disappointment with the government’s delay in implementing their signed conditions of service.
The decision has created widespread concern, particularly within the health sector, where disruptions could have serious consequences.
The Minister for Labour, Employment and Jobs, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, as well as the Health Minister had urged the Nurses and Midwives Association to hold off on plans to strike and return to the negotiation table, but the nurses have declined.
“The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, assured them of his commitment to ensuring that the welfare of nurses and midwives is always prioritised. He again proposed a three (3) member team with a representation each from the Nurses group, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health to see to the finality of the matter. All parties accepted this proposal, and a letter has been written to that effect. Given the above, the nurses and midwives’ groups, except GRNMA, promised to continue with the delivery of service to the General Public,” A statement dated May 31 issued by the Ministry of Health revealed.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Health has directed all facilities have been directed to set up coordinating structures to manage emergencies and to ensure continuous linkage with the ambulance services while the Security Agencies should provide security for the other groups of nurses who have promised to provide continuous services to patients.
The Ministry also noted that it will work with the Quasi-Government health facilities to deal with the influx of patients as a result of the industrial action when necessary, advising all Rotational Nurses and nurses who are currently undergoing mandatory clinicals to refrain from any industrial action.
The Ministry of Health further noted that it will continuously monitor the situation and ensure that all logistics needed are provided to mitigate the effects of the action, commending the nurses and midwives who have chosen not to engage in the industrial action.
Read full statement below:
