Anaesthetists on strike partly because of name change – Association president reveals
The Ghana Association Anesthetists have cited the change of title as one of the reasons why negotiations have stalled.
President of the association, Mr. James Nwinsagra has reiterated how he expects the Ministry of Health to be more proactive in this regard.
Despite all this, Mr. Nwinsagra indicated that his outfit is open to engagement to resolve the impasse.
He also revealed that the Labour Ministry and the National Labour Commission had directed the Minister of Health to “avert any industrial action.”
He also explained that “they [the Health Ministry] were given three days. The three days expired on the 22nd of December 2021.”
“As we speak, the Ministry of Health hasn’t responded in any way and there has not been any other engagement,” he added.
As a result, the Anaesthetists have been on strike since Saturday, January 1, 2022, after not renewing their licenses with the Medical and Dental Council.
“The National Labour Commission gave us a reminder that it is illegal for anyone to engage in the practice after 31st December 2021 without renewing [our license]. We are simply obeying the rules, and we don’t want to engage in any illegality.”
Per the laid down practice in their profession, members are expected to renew their license with the Medical and Dental Council, which makes them eligible to practice.
As it stands now, the group says it has parted ways with the Medical and Dental Council for its failure to champion the course of anaesthetists over the years.
The group’s main contention has been the changing of the title of members from ‘Physician Assistants’ to ‘Certified Registered Anaesthetists’.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
