The Ministry of Health (MOH) has asked doctors and nurses at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to resume work while investigations into the hospital’s CEO’s conduct continue.
The appeal comes after the CEO was suspended and the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA) went on strike.
His reinstatement was later demanded by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
The Ministry called the strike “unfortunate” and cautioned that it might interfere with the referral hospital’s ability to provide healthcare in a statement released on June 7.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to protecting the interests of patients while ensuring a safe and conducive working environment for all health workers. We therefore urge all affected staff to reconsider their decision and return to work in the interest of patients and the general population.”
The CEO’s suspension, according to the Health Ministry, is an administrative measure to enable an unbiased inquiry into the circumstances underlying the Accident and Emergency Unit’s closure.
It stated that national emergency healthcare regulations and instructions, which provide that no patient seeking emergency care should be refused treatment, were violated by the decision to restrict admissions.
The Ministry emphasised that the CEO is still a medical official at the hospital while the investigation is ongoing and that the suspension is not disciplinary.
While noting employee concerns, the Ministry advised employees to use established grievance procedures in order to retain important services and stated that industrial action is not the appropriate method to address administrative issues.
While the disagreement is being resolved, the Ghana Health Service has been instructed to continue providing emergency medical care.
While urging all parties involved to assist in the current investigation, the Ministry reassured the public that actions are being made to rectify issues at KATH, safeguard patients, and assist medical staff.
Source: newsthemegh.com