The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a stern communique denouncing Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana’s recent approval of a significant hike in license verification fees,describing the move as detrimental to its members.
Prior to March 8, 2024, nurses and midwives seeking license verification paid a fee of GHC550. However, the recent approval has catapulted this fee to an exorbitant GHC3,000, marking a staggering 445.5% increase. Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, the General Secretary of GRNMA, alongside Mr. Moses Robertson Anyigba, the National Treasurer, have labeled this increment as “highly unacceptable” and a burden to the nursing profession.
The GRNMA asserts that the spike in fees could exacerbate the emigration of nurses and midwives to higher-income countries. Instead of addressing the root causes behind this trend, the association argues, such policies only worsen the plight of healthcare professionals in Ghana.
Citing the pressing economic challenges faced by its members, including inflation and inadequate remuneration, the GRNMA has issued a three-point demand:
Immediate Suspension: The Nursing and Midwifery Council is urged to halt the implementation of the new verification fee with immediate effect.
Parliamentary Intervention: The Parliament of Ghana is implored to swiftly review the matter and consider reverting to the previous fee structure. Alternatively, if any increment is deemed necessary, the GRNMA proposes a maximum increase of 25%.
Call for Action: Nurses and midwives are advised against paying the new GHC3,000 fee and are encouraged to stand prepared for further actions, should the issue remain unresolved.
Meanwhile ,Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG), has also expressed grave concern over the recent increment in levies by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (N&MC), particularly the staggering rise in the cost of foreign verification to Three Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 3,000.00) from an initial GHS 550.00 representing 445.45% increment.
UPNMG views this action by the N&MC as a deliberate attempt to burden and frustrate Nurses and Midwives who aspire to seek opportunities abroad.
The union questions how such exorbitant fees were approved without consideration for the already dire conditions of service experienced by Nurses and Midwives.
Migration, UPNMG asserts, is a civil right and should not be hindered by unreasonable levies.
A statement signed by John Agbenyeavu
National PRO for the Union urged the N&MC to focus on empowering and engaging young Nurses and Midwives, rather than imposing financial barriers that only serve to stifle their aspirations.
In light of these concerns, UPNMG urgently calls on the Parliament of Ghana to revisit this issue to prevent any adverse effects on health service delivery in the country.
Furthermore, the union demands that the NMC immediately suspend the implementation of the new levy and engage in meaningful dialogue with relevant unions to seek an amicable resolution.
Source:Mybryfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
