The Rotational Nurses and Midwives Association (RNMA) has officially commended the government for granting the financial clearance required to pay outstanding arrears owed to its members.
Noah Asore, president of the association, noted that the release of these funds is a significant milestone, as the allowances will cover salaries for 14,279 rotation nurses and midwives, along with 637 medical and dental house officers.
This approval follows sustained negotiations between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance aimed at ensuring newly trained health professionals are supported during their mandatory service and professional training.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Asore indicated that the payments apply to registered general nurses, registered midwives, registered mental health nurses, registered community health nurses, and registered public health nurses who began their rotation last year and are scheduled to complete it this year.
He explained to host Kwabena Agyapong that the association had faced numerous challenges in the past, including several months of unpaid allowances.
He emphasised that resolving these delays has been a primary goal for the leadership. The association expressed relief that financial clearance was granted before members even concluded their current rotation cycles, describing the move as a positive step in the right direction.
Mr Asore further expressed gratitude to the government for clearing the backlog of payments from previous years. He also noted that this sets the stage for the ministry’s new policy of ensuring consistent monthly payments for all health professional cadres during their mandatory service.
“It had been our policy and advice to the ministry, and if the ministry is implementing that, kudos to them. We have nothing but to appreciate them for listening to us and also taking this bold step. We, as rotation nurses and midwives, are very happy about it. It is something we should applaud them about, and it is our fervent prayer and hope that they deliver on their promises and not disappoint us.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana