The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has revealed that the retired nurses and midwives have expressed their displeasure at the call made by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh for them to offer their voluntary services in the wake of the ongoing strike action.
According to the Association, the retired health professionals do not want to be used as mitigation factors in the ongoing crisis.
Acting Public Relations Officer Philimon Agyapong, speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, stated that the striking nurses and midwives are also disappointed that the minister called on retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services instead of finding a solution to the concerns raised.
He said that the retired nurses are even more furious than we are and asked us to tell the government not to use them as mitigation factors but to concentrate on solving the problem.’’
Mr. Agyepong noted that the retired nurses and midwives are in full support of the ongoing strike action since it is in the best interest of practitioners.
He has therefore admonished the government to ensure the implementation of the Conditions of Service since that’s the only way to have the striking nurses back to work.
“The retired nurses and midwives support our ongoing strike. They retired during a period when the government refused to implement the conditions of service. They have asked the government not to use them as mitigating factors against our strike. They want the government to implement our conditions of service. The existing nurses are also tired and cannot work at the moment, so the government should address the issues and stop depending on them.”
Background
The Ministry of Health has announced that, while it works around the clock to resolve the ongoing strike action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), it has taken some steps to alleviate the suffering of Ghanaian patients who have been adversely affected by the strike.
Speaking at a joint press conference by the ministry together with the finance ministry, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated that the ministry will in the next few hours publish a comprehensive list of facilities to complement facilities where nursing services are lacking and where patients can seek healthcare.
He appealed to retired nurses and midwives to return to work and support with their voluntary services for a brief period pending the resolution of the ongoing impasse.
“Given the urgency of the situation and suffering of patients, the government appeals to public-spirited, retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services for a brief period pending the resolution of this impasse.”
Additionally, the minister disclosed that the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have been directed to urgently develop a roadmap for the smooth implementation of the nurses’ revised conditions of service.
“Government remains committed to continuing dialogue with the nurses to reach a mutually acceptable outcome in the interest of public health,” he said.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
