N/R: Northern branch of GRNMA calls on government to prioritize working conditions of Ghanaian nurses and midwives
The Northern regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA) observed this years’ International Nurses Day, with a call on government to prioritize the working conditions of Ghanaian nurses and midwives in order to minimize the increasing trend of migration in the sector.
The Association says poor working conditions ranging from poor salaries, poor service and retirement packages, and delay in the payment of allowances among others have caused many nurses and the midwives to migrate to Americas, Europe, Canada and other jurisdictions in search of ‘greener pastures’.
Speaking at the ceremony held in Savelugu, the Chairman of the Association Abukari Alhassan says the only way brain drain can be minimized is for the government to commit itself to improving the working conditions of Ghanaian nurses and midwives.
He stressed that improvement in basic salaries, full medical care during service and retirement, prompt payment of categories allowances and other agreed allowances are but a few measures that can help them stay and work in Ghana rather than seeking greener pastures elsewhere, knowing that they have the Sustainable Development Goal 3 and Universal Health Coverage to attain by 2030.
Mr Alhassan believes if the government as the employer takes steps to address some of these issues, it will motivate nurses and midwives to continue providing the required quality nursing and midwifery services to Ghanaians.
Mr Alhassan further indicates that despite the challenges facing nurses and midwives in the country, the association has been able to institute a soft loan package to relieve the burden on members. He however assured members of the leadership’s readiness to continue to derive their agenda forward.
The Savelugu Medical Superintendent Dr Sampson Anim Abankwah on his part encouraged nurses to improve on their skills. He also advised them to live exemplary lives and show fairness while training others to carry out delegated activities.
The International Nurses Day is observed by nurses across the world every year to commemorate the birth of Florence Nightingle, the mother of modern Nursing. The theme for this years’ celebration is; Voice to Lead – Invest in Nursing and Respect Rights to Secure Global Health,” is the theme for this year’s Nurses’ Day, as per World Health Organization.
Source: zaanews.com/Lilian D. Walter