Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has has called on retired nurses and midwives to temporarily return to work in an effort to lessen the effects of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association’s (GRNMA) current strike.
The request is made as the nationwide strike continues to rage without end. The GRNMA has categorically rejected the government’s proposal to postpone the implementation of new conditions of service for nurses and midwives until 2026, which set off the industrial action.
Mr.Akandoh, acknowledged the mounting pressure on the healthcare system during a news briefing on Tuesday, June 10, and described the emergency steps being taken to alleviate the situation.
“Given the urgency of the situation and the suffering of patients, the government is appealing to public-spirited retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their service for a brief period pending the resolution of the impasse,” the Minister stated.
The Ministry of Health declared plans to release a thorough list of alternative healthcare institutions where patients can obtain nurse services as part of rapid interventions. It is anticipated that these institutions will supplement clinics and hospitals that are currently experiencing a staffing deficit.
The Minister also revealed that a roadmap for the seamless implementation of the nurses’ updated conditions of service has been hastily developed by the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
“Government remains committed to continuing dialogue with the nurses to reach a mutually acceptable outcome in the interest of public health,” he assured.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Joseph Asare
