GCPP appeals for end to strike
The Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) has added its voice to the numerous appeals to doctors and pharmacists to resume work immediately in order to save precious lives and in the interest of the nation.
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According to the party, many people are in danger of losing their lives due to lack of medical services despite their not being part of the conflict.
“We urge the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and doctors to engage in a serious dialogue to end unnecessary loss of lives in government hospitals due to the ongoing medical strike,” the Chairman and Leader of the GCPP, Dr Henry Herbert Lartey, stated.
He said that after reaching an agreement on the schedule of payment, there should be a time frame for its implementation in order to avoid another strike.
“We cannot watch our pregnant women, children and ordinary families who are unable to pay for private medical services suffer and die. We have a duty to keep Ghana healthy; a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. We have to understand and appreciate the challenges facing our homeland Ghana and countries all over the world. Most countries are going through severe hardship too,” he intimated.
Unfortunately, Dr Lartey said, the ex gratia payment to Members of Parliament had not helped the current situation.
He said the agitation from the labour front reminded him of The British winter of 1978-1979 that became known as the "Winter of Discontent," with many of the country's unions going on strike over plans to limit pay rises due to inflation; where even grave-diggers went on strike.
“Looking back today, it's clear that British unions lost a huge amount of power by not judging the feeling and mood of the country. Our unions must not make our sick suffer!” he stated.
He called on the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to sit up and listen to the genuine concerns of the unions for a lasting solution.
“If the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission is not able to address and solve the problem as soon as possible, it should be replaced,” he declared and added that “the confrontation between the unions and the commission is not healthy for the development of our nation.”
According to Dr Lartey, with good health we can together manage and handle the challenges that confront Ghana.
He also appealed to the National House of Chiefs, religious organisations and civil society to make a special appeal to the doctors and pharmacists to return to work.
Story: Kobby Asmah