The Private Universities Founders Association of Ghana (PUFA-Ghana) has extended its profound appreciation and gratitude to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) for suspending its strike. This decision demonstrates the association’s commitment to constructive dialogue and resolution, despite ongoing challenges.
PUFA-Ghana expresses gratitude to the government and key stakeholders, including the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, for their open engagement and dialogue that led to the suspension of the strike. The association also extends its deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the strike and respects the demands of the nurses and midwives.
PUFA-Ghana believes that health services, particularly maternal care, emergency care, and life-saving interventions, must never be compromised. As a nation, Ghana is navigating many challenges, but the association is committed to offering solutions to the country’s socio-economic problems.
Proposed Interventions.
To avoid future strikes in the health sector, PUFA-Ghana suggests the following interventions:
- Constant Health Sector Consultative Forum: Establish a regular forum between the Ministry of Health, union leaders, and healthcare administrators to address grievances early.
2. Stay in Court Processes: Appeal to the government to consider publicly declaring a stay in court processes concerning the strike as a sign of goodwill.
3. Predictable Processes: Establish predictable and timely processes for salary negotiations, working condition reviews, and other urgent matters.
4. Strengthen Health Worker Welfare: Strengthen health worker welfare programs to attract and retain health workers and volunteers.
5. Oversight Bodies: Strengthen oversight bodies to monitor the implementation of agreed arrangements and foster stakeholder engagement and accountability.
6. Private Sector Participation: Develop and implement incentives for private sector participation in healthcare delivery, subject to proper checks and balances.
7. Risk Management Mechanisms: Encourage public health delivery facilities to design and implement proactive and reactive risk management mechanisms to ensure continuity of essential services.
PUFA-Ghana stands with Ghana and extends a hand of partnership to the government, health sector unions, and all stakeholders committed to developing sustainable interventions for preserving life and restoring dignity in the healthcare system. The association is willing to provide professional inputs in the development of such interventions.
