Outpatient services have resumed at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital and Adabraka Polyclinic after the nationwide strike by Organised Labour ended. However, there was a lower turnout than usual at both hospitals’ outpatient departments (OPDs) on the first day back.
Dr. Susan Seffah, the Clinical Coordinator at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, mentioned in an interview with JoyNews that the low patient turnout could be due to the assumption that the strike was still ongoing. The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) had initiated actions to support the strike by Labour, leading to health workers withdrawing all outpatient services as part of the strike action.
Organised Labour declared an indefinite nationwide strike in response to the National Pensions Regulatory Authority’s (NPRA) approval for SSNIT to proceed with a controversial sale deal involving a 60% stake in four hotels. This decision prompted the strike, but after SSNIT complied with Labour’s demand to cancel the deal, the strike was suspended.
Both hospitals are hopeful that patient numbers will normalize as the day progresses. Administrators at the Adabraka Polyclinic expressed optimism that more patients would seek treatment. They also highlighted the potential dangers of patients self-medicating instead of seeking proper medical care.
As the day unfolds, both hospitals anticipate seeing more patients and providing the necessary care and attention. The healthcare workers are ready and waiting to assist those in need and ensure the well-being of their patients.