Healthcare services across Ghana have been severely disrupted as a nationwide strike by nurses in public hospitals continues, leaving patients stranded and prompting emergency measures by the government.

The industrial action, led by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), has seen nurses abandon their posts in major health facilities. The group is demanding the implementation of a collective agreement signed in 2024, which they claim the government has failed to honour.

A high-level meeting held on 30 May between the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders—including the GRNMA, Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives (UPNMG), and other midwifery associations—ended without resolution. While some unions agreed to continue providing essential services, the GRNMA confirmed its decision to proceed with the strike.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh assured stakeholders that their concerns were being taken seriously and promised swift action. However, with no immediate resolution in sight, the Ministry has moved to implement contingency plans to mitigate the impact.

In a statement issued by Ministry spokesperson Tony Goodman, the following steps were outlined:

• Directors of Nursing Services and deputies are to remain at post throughout the strike.
• Maternity and emergency services must continue operating in all hospitals.
• Ambulance services are on standby nationwide to handle emergency cases.
• Emergency coordination centres have been established to liaise with ambulance services.
• Daily updates on service delivery will be submitted by the heads of health institutions to the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry.
• The Ministry will work with quasi-government health facilities to manage overflow of patients.
• Rotational and clinical training nurses have been advised not to join the strike.

The Ministry praised nurses and midwives who have chosen not to participate and urged the GRNMA to reconsider its stance, stressing that dialogue is ongoing.

The strike has heightened concerns over access to critical care, with reports from hospitals across the country describing overcrowded facilities and long waiting times for treatment.

Source:TheDotNews