Doctors Call off Planned Strike

A premeditated plan by members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) to embark on an indefinite industrial action has been called off.

This decision, according to the President of the Association, Dr. Frank Ankobea follows government’s response to address the demands of the aggrieved health professionals.

The Association had a week ago issued a severe warning through a communiqué with threats to withdraw all health services if government failed to resolve challenges with their salaries.

But in a statement signed by the GMA president, “Government has agreed to unfreeze the market premium with effect from May 2013. Some percentage points increase on the current rate has also been agreed.”

“Government has also agreed to give a detailed directive to all agencies and facilities to implement all the other aspects of the conditions of service that falls within their remit,” the statement read.

Following this promise by government, the GMA has since brought to a halt all directives issued after its 4th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Jirapa in the Upper West Region, last week.

Various divisional chairmen of the association have therefore been directed to hold divisional meetings in the coming days to explain to its members, the details of the seeming U-turn.

Background

The primary issue in contention according to the GMA, was the payment of market premium as percentage of salary, in line with a ruling by the National Labour Commission (NLA).

On their emoluments, the doctors also noted that say they are unhappy about the reduction of their pension following their migration onto the Single Spine Salary pay policy.

The announcement has since generated fear and panic―compelling many to troop to various public health facilities to receive medical care before the proposed day, August 6, 2018.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]