The government has urged retired nurses and midwives to temporarily return to service to alleviate the effects of the ongoing strike by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
This appeal arises as the nationwide strike escalates without a resolution. The industrial action was initiated by the government’s suggestion to postpone the implementation of new conditions of service for nurses and midwives until 2026, a proposal that the GRNMA has categorically rejected.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, June 10, Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, recognized the increasing pressure on the healthcare system and detailed the emergency measures being implemented to tackle the situation.
“Given the urgency of the situation and the distress of patients, the government is appealing to altruistic retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services for a short period until the impasse is resolved,” the Minister remarked.
As part of immediate actions, the Ministry of Health announced plans to release a comprehensive list of alternative healthcare facilities where patients can access nursing services. These facilities are anticipated to support hospitals and clinics currently experiencing staff shortages.
Furthermore, the Minister revealed that the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have been instructed to promptly create a roadmap for the effective implementation of the revised conditions of service for nurses.
“Government remains dedicated to ongoing discussions with the nurses to achieve a mutually agreeable resolution in the interest of public health,” he assured.
Efforts to resolve the deadlock intensified on Monday, June 9, when the Ministry of Health convened a closed-door emergency meeting with leaders of the GRNMA and other stakeholders.
Nevertheless, the discussions concluded without reaching a consensus, resulting in thousands of patients being left in a difficult situation nationwide.
The strike, which has impacted operations in both public and certain private healthcare facilities, is already having a detrimental effect on service delivery, as evidenced by reports of long queues and restricted access to essential care.
