Health Minister appeals to striking nurses and midwives to return to work – Nsemkeka
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has issued a passionate plea to members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA) to consider the well-being of patients and return to the negotiation table, following an industrial action that has left many health facilities across the country understaffed.
The ongoing strike by nurses and midwives in public hospitals across Ghana continues to severely impact healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and medical services disrupted.
In many health facilities, nurses have abandoned posts, leaving patients stranded.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse show on Thursday, the Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to resolving the impasse, calling for unity and dialogue during what he described as a critical period for the nation’s healthcare system.
“I believe that in all these matters, my brothers and sisters should put the Ghanaian patient into consideration,” Mr Akandoh stated. “We are not tired; we are operating an open-door policy, and I am ready to engage anybody at any given time. Until we find a lasting solution to this matter, we will not relax.”
The strike, declared illegal by the National Labour Commission, has seen quite a number of nurses and midwives withdraw their services over unresolved concerns relating to working conditions and remuneration.
According to Mr Akandoh, a high-level meeting was convened recently, bringing together key stakeholders, including the Ministers of Health and Finance, representatives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the Labour Commission.
However, the GRNMA failed to attend the crucial discussions.
“Just yesterday [Wednesday], all the other stakeholders were brought on board,” he said. “The Minister of Health was around the table, the Minister of Finance was around the table, Fair Wages was there, Labour Commission was there — but my brothers and sisters couldn’t come.”
The Health Minister reiterated the importance of dialogue and expressed confidence in the commitment of the Finance Ministry to address the underlying issues.
“We have been in constant interaction with the Minister of Finance. This goes beyond the Ministry of Health,” he explained. “I can tell you the Minister of Finance is committed to finding solutions on this matter.”
Mr Akandoh cautioned that simultaneous industrial action and negotiations are counterproductive and urged the association to return to talks in good faith.
“We cannot be on a strike and be negotiating at the same time,” he stressed.
“I am ready to be on board fully to make sure that we have an amicable solution to this matter and they return to the various hospitals and do what they are supposed to do — for the betterment of the country, so that we don’t lose any life that is preventable,” he concluded.