The Ministry of Health is calling on retired nurses and midwives to step in and support the struggling healthcare system as the nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) stands still.
The GRNMA remains resolute in its rejection of the government’s proposal to delay the implementation of their revised conditions of service until 2026.
The Association argues that its members are being treated unfairly, especially when other public sector unions have had their demands swiftly addressed.
An emergency meeting held on Monday, June 9, between GRNMA officials, the Ministry of Health, and other key stakeholders failed to produce a breakthrough, deepening the crisis across health facilities already feeling the pinch of the industrial action.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, June 10, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh admitted the situation is placing immense strain on the health sector.
Mr. Akandoh appealed to retired professionals to help alleviate the impact.
He assured the public that government is working tirelessly to find a resolution but said immediate steps are necessary to reduce the burden on hospitals and clinics.
“While working round the clock to resolve the impasse, the Ministry of Health has taken the following steps to mitigate the suffering of Ghanaian patients unduly affected by the strike. Given the urgency of the situation and suffering of patients, government appeals to public-spirited, retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services for a brief period pending the resolution of this impasse” the Minister stated.
