In an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, May 28, GRNMA President, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, accused the government of dragging its feet on implementing revised Conditions of Service for members of the association. She lamented the lack of progress despite months of follow-ups.

“We cannot be following up on a directive from the Ministry of Finance for the last five months and still see no headway. We go there, and the officials tell us one thing, only to hear something completely different elsewhere,” she said.

According to her, the inconsistent responses from government officials have made it difficult for the leadership to maintain credibility with its members.

“Our members are simply tired of the excuses we keep giving them. It’s been excuse upon excuse from the employers, and the nurses and midwives are also tired of the excuses we give them,” she added.

She outlined a planned roadmap for industrial action if the situation remains unresolved, because the association has been patient and generous, despite the growing pressure and agitation from its members.

“We have even been generous, considering the pressure that has come to us as leaders. There will be red arm and headbands worn on 2nd and 3rd June. From the 4th to the 8th of June, we will withdraw OPD services. Then, from 9th June onwards, we will withdraw all our services.

“We hope the ministry will not wait for us to get to June 4. They must do the needful and get the Ministry of Finance to act,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has called on the GRNMA to rescind its strike directive, citing ongoing engagements and the potential risk to patient care.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 28, the Ministry appealed to the association to place the interest of patients first and return to the negotiation table for the good of the health sector.