Doctors begin indefinite strike

Junior doctors at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in the Greater Accra Region, Komfo Anokye Hospital in the Ashanti Region as well as the Cape Coast Hospital in the Central Region have laid down their tools.

They are demanding the payment of their nine-month salary arrears.The doctors say efforts to get government to pay them their arrears have been unsuccessful.

A frustrated patient who spoke to Citi News said,”I came here last month and I was told to come today. I am due for delivery but there is no one here, the doctors are nowhere to be found.This government is killing us.”

“I have been here since morning but the doctors are not attending to us. They say they are on strike. I came here for antenatal care. This is getting really serious,” another agitated patient stated.

Speaking on Eyewitness News, President of the Junior doctors at the Komfo Anokye teaching Hospital Dr. Akwasi Twumasi justified their decision to embark on an industrial action, saying “when you work for a long time and not being paid, considering the economic situation in the country, our financial situation will be very dire.”

“There is only one issue on board. The junior doctors expect to be paid their full nine-months salaries”

He remarked that the situation is a very difficult one for doctors across the country, adding that some have resorted to securing loans from friends and families for their upkeep.

Mr. Twumasi said they will return to work once the outstanding arrears is settled.

“There is only one issue on board. We expect to be paid, if we are paid we will resume work”

The Ghana Medical Association(GMA) earlier issued a stern warning asking government to sign and negotiate their conditions of service.

It expressed its disappointment in government’s refusal to negotiate the deal.

By: Marian Efe Ansah