Graduate nurses and midwives in Ghana have announced plans to picket at the Ministry of Health from October 23 to October 25, 2024.

The demonstration is being organized by the Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association (GUNMA), representing members who have faced extended unemployment despite completing their training and being ready to serve in healthcare facilities across the country.

Frustrations Over Delayed Postings

The protest comes in response to what GUNMA describes as a lack of action from the Ministry of Health following a recruitment exercise that took place in August 2024. The application window, which was open from August 6 to August 23, closed with no significant updates or job placements announced. The association has reported that numerous follow-ups have been made since then, but all promised timelines have passed without any communication or resolution.

The association’s leaders expressed that this ongoing uncertainty has heightened anxiety and frustration among graduate nurses and midwives, especially those who have been unemployed for nearly four years since completing their studies. Many of these young healthcare professionals are struggling to make ends meet, which has prompted them to take to the streets to demand immediate action.

Three-Day Protest to Demand Immediate Employment

GUNMA has declared that the planned picketing will last for three days, during which the members will gather at the Ministry of Health to push for the deployment of qualified nurses and midwives to healthcare facilities across the country. The association’s leadership has vowed to continue the protest until the government takes concrete steps to resolve the issue.

In a show of solidarity, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives has endorsed GUNMA’s demands and urged the government to intervene promptly to avoid exacerbating the frustrations of unemployed nurses. They emphasized the need for urgent government action to utilize the skills of these healthcare professionals and prevent the loss of valuable talent due to prolonged unemployment.

Previous Recruitment Efforts Fell Short

The delayed employment situation is not new to Ghanaian healthcare graduates. Past recruitment drives have often faced similar challenges, with qualified graduates waiting for years before receiving job placements. The current situation mirrors previous instances where healthcare professionals resorted to demonstrations and picketing to get their voices heard.

For the upcoming protest, GUNMA has encouraged all affected members to participate and has indicated that they are prepared to escalate the picketing if necessary. The association hopes that the demonstration will compel the Ministry of Health to provide an immediate solution to the ongoing employment issue.

Implications for the Healthcare Sector

The delayed posting of graduate nurses and midwives has broader implications for Ghana’s healthcare sector. With the country’s healthcare system already stretched, the availability of trained professionals who are not being utilized represents a missed opportunity to strengthen service delivery. Addressing the concerns of these healthcare workers not only ensures their livelihoods but also enhances the capacity of healthcare facilities to provide better care to patients.

Conclusion

The upcoming picketing by graduate nurses and midwives from October 23 to October 25 is a critical moment for Ghana’s healthcare sector. As GUNMA and its supporters gather at the Ministry of Health, the hope is that their demands will lead to swift government action to deploy these qualified professionals and improve healthcare services across the country.

Stay tuned to GhanaianHub for updates on this developing story.

Graduate Nurses and Midwives

Sources: Class FM Online