Accra: Some Nurses and Midwives have expressed anger and worry over reports that the President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has travelled during the period of industrial action by members. A Midwife at a general hospital in Accra, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Ghana News Agency that they did not understand why at a critical moment like this, the President of the Association could travel if reports were true, to make it impossible for government to settle matters amicably with members.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Midwife emphasized the importance of conditions of service, stating that their work puts them at risk and yet they bear their own medical expenses. She expressed disagreement with the government’s demand for pin renewal fees, arguing that salaried workers should be able to afford the annual fee. She highlighted the consequences of the strike on patients, especially pregnant women, questioning whether military and police hospitals could handle the increased demand for care.

A General Nurse in a Regional Hospital described the impact of the strike on healthcare facilities, citing instances where neonatal and intensive care units had to refer babies due to staff shortages. She recounted a visit to the hospital where a Physician Assistant was overwhelmed in the emergency unit, highlighting the dire need for resolution. The nurse urged the Association’s President and leadership to engage with the government and resolve the issues to protect patients’ lives.

Mr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, Chairman of the Parliamentary select Committee on Health, commented on the situation, suggesting that some of the service demands were unreasonable and required reassessment. He pointed out the need to prioritize critical issues over matters like pin renewals. Mr. Abraham Koomson, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Labour, expressed concern over the strike, questioning the GRNMA President’s actions and urging the Association to reconsider their decision for the greater good.