Ghanaian health workers lay down tools

Groups of public sector health workers in Ghana commenced a strike action at various public health facilities across the country on Monday, despite a court injunction secured by the National Media Commission on Friday to halt the industrial action by the groups.

The withdrawal of services by the nurses, midwives, physician assistants, and certified anesthetists left patients stranded at the facilities with no intermediaries between them and doctors.

The industrial action was called by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and its allied associations after negotiations with the government for better conditions broke down earlier this month.

In a press statement signed by its president Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, the GRNMA said the proposals by the government during negotiations would not serve the economic interests of its members and allied groups.

“The employer should note that all nurses, midwives, physician assistants, and anesthetists will withdraw their services from Monday, September 21, if they fail to address the concerns raised by the GRNMA team,” the release said. Enditem