General News of Tuesday, 29 May 2018
Source: Myjoyonline.com
2018-05-29
Checks at some hospitals showed patients stranded due to the strike
Patients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) are unable to access health services following the strike by the Medical laboratory scientists.
The scientists have fully withdrawn their services indefinitely at public health facilities across the country in protest of salary discrepancies which they say have existed for about six years, after the introduction of the Single Spine Pay Policy.
Joy News checks at Korle Bu show the lab scientists did not turn up for work, which has has left patients stranded at the Central Laboratory at the KBTH.
The patients who are mostly pregnant women told Joy News’ Emefa Nancy Dzradosi they are scared the action will have consequences on their health.
They told the reporter most of them are expected to put to bed very soon, but they have few tests to go to avoid complications during birth.
“I have already been here and was told to come back on Friday which I did, but it was a holiday so no one was available to attend to me. I came back today yet they are saying they are on strike.
“Last week I was told I was suffering from a shortage of blood so I came back to check and see if everything is okay with me before my time is due to deliver…I am really suffering…even emergency cases are not being attended to…are they waiting for all of us to die?” one of the pregnant women quizzed.
They pleaded with government to listen to the lab technicians so they pay attention to patients.
“It is very frustrating to be denied treatment even when you are ready to pay for it,” a lady in despair told the reporter.
However, the National Secretary of the of Ghana Medical Laboratory Scientists Association, Michael Amo Omari, has defended their actions.
He said although they are sad to see women and old ladies suffering, the strike action is the only language government understands.
“What is happening now is protecting the public rather than make them suffer…we are saying because of the problems with our salary and the rest we cannot guarantee the quality of service given to patients,” he said.
According to him, it is important to fight and get the right structures in place so that quality service can be guaranteed and rendered.