Healthcare services across the country have been severely impacted as members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) continue their strike, leaving patients stranded and medical facilities struggling to cope.
In the Ashanti Region, major hospitals such as Manhyia, South Suntreso, and Kumasi South have seen a significant slowdown in healthcare delivery.
Key departments, including family planning and specialized clinics at Manhyia Hospital, have shut down entirely, with red bands tied at entrances signaling the ongoing industrial action.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Manhyia Government Hospital, Dr. Adu Boakye, expressed concern over the strain the strike is placing on healthcare services.
With nurses and midwives absent, hospital management is relying on house officers and doctors to attend to the overwhelming number of patients, but the situation remains challenging.
The strike, which has disrupted medical care nationwide, has prompted calls for urgent intervention to restore normal healthcare operations. Authorities are yet to reach a resolution with the striking nurses and midwives, leaving many patients uncertain about when full services will resume.
Meanwhile, physician assistants at the Volta Regional Hospital in Hohoe have taken over operations at the Outpatient Department (OPD), including checking patients’ vitals, as the nationwide strike by nurses takes full effect in the region.
Regional Chair of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Courage Kumah, told Citi News that the government must prioritise the welfare of nurses and urgently address their conditions of service to resolve the impasse.
While confirming the effective start of the strike across the region, Mr. Kumah also warned against unauthorised health personnel attending to patients, citing potential risks to public health and safety.
SOURCE: Citi Newsroom