The Health Committee in Parliament has made a passionate appeal to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to suspend their industrial action and return to the negotiating table.
This appeal follows reports of patients across the country being left stranded at various hospitals. The strike, now in its fourth day, was triggered by the government’s delay in implementing agreed-upon improvements in conditions of service. As a result, patients at outpatient departments (OPDs) have struggled to access care after nurses and midwives withdrew their services.
Speaking to Starr News, Vice Chairperson of the Health Committee of Parliament, Dr. Sebastian Sandaare, stressed the urgent need for dialogue.
“As Members of Parliament and the Health Committee, we do not possess absolute power to unilaterally make final decisions in matters such as this. The current situation involves negotiations aimed at improving conditions of service, and it is essential to recognize that both parties must engage in dialogue,” he stated.
READ: National Labour Commission Declares GRNMA’s Strike Illegal
He moved on to appeal to the government and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) “to suspend the ongoing strike and return to the negotiation table in good faith.”
“As the Health Committee of Parliament, we are taking this matter very seriously. While our role does not permit us to impose decisions, we are committed to engaging both parties and facilitating an amicable resolution. This is not a situation in which the government should flex its muscles. Nurses and midwives play a critical role in our healthcare system, and their decision to strike must be treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
“Just like a doctors’ strike, a strike by nurses and midwives has dire consequences for patients, including the potential loss of lives. This is a matter of life and death and must be approached with the utmost care, urgency, and responsibility.
READ: GRNMA Presses for Immediate Action on Agreement, Warns of Full Service Withdrawal
At this point, our plea is for the GRNMA to return to the negotiation table so we can work together to bring this strike to a timely and peaceful resolution. We must all do everything possible to ensure that the strike does not escalate further,” he added.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
