Scores of patients seeking Outpatient Department (OPD) services at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi have been left stranded as health workers have embarked on a strike effective today, Monday, July 15, 2024.
The strike, declared by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG), is in response to a call by organised labour.
As a result of the strike, some patients who had traveled long distances to access healthcare services at KATH were disappointed to discover that services had been suspended.
The strike action by organised labour was prompted by the National Pensions Regulatory Authority’s (NPRA) approval allowing the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to proceed with a controversial plan to offload a 60% stake in four hotels to Bryan Acheampong’s Rock City Hotel.
Despite the termination of the deal by SSNIT following sustained protests, organised labour is concerned about the role of the current SSNIT board and top management in the contentious transaction. They believe it demonstrates a disconnect from the people they represent.
An emergency meeting is currently being held by organised labour to determine the next steps following the recent developments that followed their declaration of a nationwide strike. One of the key issues to be discussed is the fate of the management and Board of Directors of SSNIT.
Patients and the general public are advised to seek alternative healthcare options during this strike period at KATH.
