Health students threaten to strike over unpaid arrears
The National Health Students Association of Ghana (NAHSAG) has said it will withdraw it services beginning 27 June, should the government fail to address their concerns.
NAHSAG is the umbrella body for all health students and fresh graduates (Health Interns) from all health institutions across the country and the Diaspora at large.
According to NAHSAG, it members have not been paid for the past nine month, a situation they say is worsening their plight.
A statement issued by NAHSAG on Tuesday (21 June) said: “Government’s silent on the allowance payment and starving health interns under Minister of Health for 9 months is very unfortunate, and unacceptable.”
“The National Executive Officers by this notice, informs you of a possible strike action by all September and December, 2021 batch of health (Allied Health, nurses, Midwives etc.) interns whose allowance is to be paid through Ministry of Health but it is not been paid since the internship.”
“Interns are unable to pay for their rents, transportation, water and electricity. NEO therefore endorses the strike and call on all interns to vacate their post beginning 27 June, 2022,” the NASHAG statement said.
Below is the full statement:
I bring you greetings from the National Secretariat of the National Health Students Association of Ghana (NAHSAG). NAHSAG is the umbrella body for all health students and fresh graduates (Health Interns) from all health institutions across the country and the Diaspora at large .
The National Executive Officers by this notice, informs you of a possible strike action by all September and December, 2021 batch of health (Allied Health, nurses, Midwives etc.) interns whose allowance is to be paid through Ministry of Health but it is not been paid since the internship.
The strike is a collective decision of majority of the health interns in a virtual meeting held on 19th June, 2022.
Having engaged all the various stakeholders severally and has 2weeks ago engaged in a press conference which was highly reported by most of the media houses and journalist, we are so convinced that, the President, Minister of Finance and Minister of Health with their team have heard our plights clearly and loudly.
Government’s silent on the allowance payment and starving health interns under Minister of Health for 9months is very unfortunate, and unacceptable.
Interns are unable to pay for their rents, transportation, water and electricity. NEO therefore endorses the strike and call on all interns to vacate their post beginning 27th June, 2022.
