The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwifes, Ghana (UTNMG) is considering voting against the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming election due to what they describe as government’s consistent negligence of their concerns.
A press statement signed by the Union president, Agbeti Robert Immortal expressed their frustration regarding a delay in allowance payment for at least one and a half years. This, according to Mr. Immortal has plunged union members into extremely difficult financial circumstances, with many now unable to afford fees for their training.
“The government has demonstrated their consistent failed promises to pay the allowance and that won’t be accommodated this time. Trainees will hold politicians accountable, and the outcome of this year’s election will reflect the government’s neglect of their welfare.”
“Trainee Nurses and Midwives are left to struggle with no respite. While some Health Training Institutions demand 100% payment of fees, few demand 60% of which failure to comply results in expulsion from Dining halls and Examination halls,” the statement said.
Comparing government’s treatment of other sectors, particularly, the teaching field to the health sector, the union also expressed concerns about the disparities seen in the payment of allowances to these two fields.
According to the press statement, in June 2024, government released more funds to support less number of teacher trainees whereas it released less funds to support a greater number of nurse and midwife trainees.
They have described the situation as an economic injustice and a betrayal of trust in the government.
“Another striking event in June 2024, the government released GHC219 million to 104,000 Trainee Nurses and Midwives, while GHC216 million was released to 67,000 Teacher Trainees who have several supports from the government, such as absorption of their feeding fees, student loans, and flexible fee payment policy.”
They have demanded that the government expedite processes in releasing their allowances, expressing that the inaction posture of the ruling government defeats the country’s quest to achieve some Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
“There is no denying the fact that the government’s inactions have defeated the attainment of SDG Goal: 1; No Poverty, SDG Goal 4; Quality Education, SDG Goal 8; Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG Goal 10; Reduce Inequality.”
“These SDGs are impacted by the government’s inactions, which have led to a lack of investment in education, healthcare, and job opportunities, resulting in economic hardship and increased inequalities among trainees. It is time for the government to take responsibility and act now!”, the statement said..
In recent years, Ghana has been facing a challenge of health practitioners trooping out of the country due to poor conditions of service. Nurses, doctors, midwives and among other categories have lamented on the traditional issue of poor infrastructure and a prolonged non-payment of salary arrears facing the health sector.
Consequently, thousands have moved out of the country to places such as the United Kingdom and the United States in search of better conditions of service.
The government has been advised to provide solutions to the trend, in that the country risk facing a shortage of health workers to match its growing population.
Source: Dehotpress
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