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The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) says it is ready to push
government for appropriate conditions of service for Doctors.
Advise Gov't to meet demands of workers – GMA
The Association disclosed that the only benefit they currently enjoy
is free one week mortuary service when one dies; a situation they
described as unfair.
"Doctors in this country don't have any perks. At best, what we have
even though it is not written is the fact that we are entitled to one
week free mortuary services when you pass on in the course of service.
That is all. We want the proper thing done!" said the GMA's Deputy
General Secretary, Dr. Justice Yankson on Eyewitness News.
Doctors in Ghana are threatening to resign by June 30, 2015 if the
government fails to issue a collective bargaining agreement with them
over their conditions of service.
However, there were media reports that the GMA had decided to rescind
its decision after meeting with government representatives over the
matter on Wednesday.
But the Association says no such decision has been taken as it still
stands its ultimatum.
"I am not sure where this information is coming from. We have never
departed from our position…the fact that we've held one meeting does
not negate the fact that that ultimatum has been met as we speak…that
ultimatum still stands and nothing has changed," Dr. Yankson remarked.
He indicated that they are willing to continue with the negotiations
with government to get the matter resolved but stressed that the
meeting on Wednesday "doesn't change our stance because we've been
through this path before."
Dr. Yankson recalled that since the Ghana Health Service was
established somewhere in 1996, no conditions of service have been
given to doctors although concerns have been raised over the issue
several times.
"We've had series of committees, series of meetings in a bid to
resolve this matter for almost 20 years and nothing has happened. That
one meeting we've had doesn't resolve the issue…that ultimatum still
stands."
He argued that giving doctors conditions of service will not in any
way impact negatively on the economy since conditions of service do
not necessarily have to be monetary.
Dr. Yankson asked; "Others have conditions of service and that is not
a drain on the government coffers? Including the Executive, the
Judiciary and the Parliamentary service but when doctors ask for that
they be given their conditions of service to enable us work properly;
something that is not entirely linked with money per say, is that what
will collapse the economy of Ghana?"
Credit: Citifmonline.com
