The Korle Bu Chapter of the Federation of Allied Health Professionals has suspended its ongoing strike at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Since Friday, August 2, the group had withdrawn outpatient services at the hospital due to the hospital’s refusal to appoint an independent body to oversee its operations.
The group comprises 18 professional associations, including the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, the Ghana Physiotherapy Association, and the Ghana Society of Radiographers. The professionals, currently managed by the hospital’s Medical Directorate, argue that their affairs are not being properly managed, necessitating the creation of a directorate to oversee their operations.
The decision to put the strike on hold follows ongoing engagement with the Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, and relevant stakeholders.
In a statement dated Monday, August 5, the Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professions explained that the Minister of Health has given them assurances of resolving the matter within seven days, hence their decision to halt the strike.
Additionally, they mentioned that the National Labour Commission (NLC) has invited them to a meeting on August 6, 2024, to find common ground to resolve the impasse.
“This decision has become necessary due to the following reasons: The Minister of Health has taken note of our concerns and has promised to resolve the matter within seven (7) days, hence the need for us to show good faith and allow the Hon. Minister to act.
“That the Board of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has written to Leadership indicating that the Board has established the Directorate of Allied Health Professions at the KBTH.
“That the National Labour Commission has intervened and prevailed on us to discontinue the action and invited us to a meeting on 6th August 2024 to find common grounds to resolve the impasse.”
They entreated their members to remain resolute in their demand for fair and equitable representation.
“We entreat all Allied Health Professionals to be resolute in our demand for fair and equitable representation in the Core Management of all implementing agencies including the Ghana Health Service and all The Teaching Hospitals across the country.”