The Eye and Ear Clinic at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua has been temporarily shut down as a result of the ongoing nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
A visit to the facility on Monday revealed that the usually bustling unit, known for serving hundreds of patients daily, was completely deserted with no nurses at post.
The unit’s doors were locked ,patients turned away to seek first aide at OPD.
Several stranded patients who turned up for treatment expressed frustration and appealed to the government to swiftly address the demands of the striking nurses to help restore essential healthcare services.
Some also appealed to the striking nurses to exercise patience for the new government to fix the economy and subsequent fix their condition of service.
READ: “Aluta Continua”: Ghana’s Nurses and Midwives Hold the Line as Nationwide Strike Enters Day 5
At the hospital’s Outpatient Department, and other unites many patients were left stranded, as only a handful of nurses belonging to other unions were on duty.
The nationwide strike declared by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, GRNMA, entered a week today, leaving healthcare delivery severely disrupted.
The GRNMA declared the industrial action over government’s failure to implement their 2024 Collective Agreement — which includes a 13th-month salary, fuel and medical allowances, rural incentives, uniform provision, and licence renewal support.
The National Labour Commission on Tuesday, June 4, expressed strong disapproval of the strike, summoning GRNMA leadership for talks — but the Association insists it will continue its phased withdrawal of services, with a full-scale shutdown slated for June 9.
New Juaben South Secretary for GRNMA, Abraham Achire said members of the association are not happy to embark on this strike action knowing the consequences which could also affect them, however, said the decision is necessary to push for better conditions that will encourage nurses to stay and work in Ghana, rather than migrate.
Source : Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Obed Kojo Ansah
