The Ministry of Health is urging the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial action.
The Ministry expressed concern over the potential impact on patient care and emphasized the need for continued dialogue, according to a statement issued on Wednesday, May 28.
The Ministry strongly condemned the use of patient care as leverage in the dispute, stating, “Using the lives of patients as leverage in the demand for the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement is not the appropriate course of action.”
The Ministry appealed to GRNMA to prioritize patient welfare, saying, “We appeal to the association to place the interest of the Ghanaian patient above all else and return to the negotiation table for the benefit of the health sector.”
The Ministry assured the public that efforts are underway to address the concerns of GRNMA. A joint committee comprising representatives from GRNMA, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance has been established to fast-track the implementation of the revised Conditions of Service.
The Ministry highlighted its commitment to building on past achievements, including the introduction of structured Conditions of Service for health workers in 2015. The Ministry emphasized its dedication to improving the welfare of nurses and other health professionals.
The Ministry’s appeal comes as GRNMA prepares to commence a series of strikes over the delayed implementation of their Conditions of Service.
The outcome of the situation remains uncertain as both parties continue to navigate the complex issues surrounding the dispute, according to the Ministry of Health’s statement.