The Minority caucus in parliament has condemned the government for its failure to resolve the ongoing strike by the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers' Union (MELPWU), which began on June 17.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Thursday, June 20, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member on Parliament's Health Committee, urged the government to act swiftly to address the strike, emphasising its impact on public healthcare.
"The insensitivity and the irresponsibility of this government has become legendary. I think that when it comes to matters of health, the government must move with alacrity because it borders on lives," he stressed.
Read also: MELPWU strike leaves labs in public hospitals empty, patients directed to private facilities
The members of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers' Union commenced an industrial action on June 17, protesting the government's delay in addressing their conditions of service.
The strike has left patients at public health facilities stranded with some forced to seek more costly lab services at private facilities.
"Any reasonable government will engage them and plead with them while they are at the negotiation table, to go back to the hospitals or facilities"Akandoh noted.
He also highlighted the economic challenges faced by health workers, pushing them to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
He asserted that the constitution guarantees every citizen the right to healthcare and so government must respond to the needs of the lab workers.
Latest Stories
-
Plot to remove IGP: Atta Akyea’s Committee went beyond its mandate – Kofi Bentil
5 mins -
School Feeding Secretariat appeals to caterers for calm amid underpayment complaints
9 mins -
Government pays School Feeding caterers First Term arrears
60 mins -
Commuters breathing toxic air while using public transport – Report
2 hours -
ABOCFA Cooperative CEO wins Ghana’s ‘Most Outstanding Personality’ in Fair Trade & Organic Agriculture
2 hours -
Economist and NDPC chief Dr Kodjo Essiem Mensah-Abrampa dies at 68
2 hours -
Alcaraz opens title defence with battling win over Lajal
2 hours -
MD of Labadi Beach Hotel shares insightful thoughts at AHIF 2024 in Namibia
3 hours -
Euro 2024: Redemption for tearful Ronaldo as Portugal beat Slovenia on penalties
3 hours -
Put out the details – Jinapor challenges Finance Minister over agreement with 5 IPPs
3 hours -
NSMQ2024: Kofi Agyei SHS defeats St. Monica’s to make first national appearance
3 hours -
Bawumia’s VP choice: The seasoned, stolid and serious Dr Opoku Prempeh
3 hours -
Keta’s Unsung Heroines: Women driving the fishing industry
3 hours -
Ghana’s Abanga Farms and Food Systems leads groundbreaking pilot project in Sierra Leone
3 hours -
Nestle Ghana rewards loyal consumers in ‘Ideal Yonko Pa’ promotion
4 hours