The Ghana Medical Association(GMA) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike in solidarity with doctors of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in the Ashanti Region if their grievances are not addressed.
The decision by the medical officers to withdraw their services was as a result of issues related to accommodation. Reports indicate that notices were served to over 20 doctors of the referral hospital to vacate their bungalows to allow a private estate developer to take over the place.
As a result, the doctors laid down their tools on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 for the unfair treatment meted to them.
Patients, including those from beyond the Ashanti Region, who visited the facility were left unattended to. Some expressed their distress over the inconvenience caused by the strike.
Solidarity
Reacting to the issue, the President of the GMA, Dr. Frank Serebuor warned the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, to handle the situation well to avert a nationwide strike from the Association.
In an interview with Kumasi-based Abusua FM, Dr Serebour stated, “If he [the Minister] pushes us to the wall, we will take a decision to go on a nationwide strike in solidarity with our colleagues at KATH. We are getting there and he should stop making such comments.
His comment follows the position of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, who says the doctors have no case. The minister had argued that arrangements were being made with the private developer to provide funds to settle two years rent payment for each affected doctor.
GMA however said that was not the right way to go about the issue.
Dr Serebuor said the private developer should have engaged the management of KATH and not the doctors.
Dr Serebuor was of the view that “it wasn’t easy relocating from a place of accommodation where some have occupied for 30 years and over.
“Even finding new schools for their children is not going to be a stroll in the park. You can’t order a whole eviction just like that”, he emphasised.
He added that a number of doctors have called on the association to complain about how they had been subjected to stress and frustration.
He further stated that the doctors have allegedly received threats of having their water supply and electricity cut off by the private developers if they failed to leave their homes at the agreed time.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
