The Ghana-Nurse-Midwife Trainees Association (GNMTA) has raised significant concerns regarding the prolonged issue of unpaid allowances for rotational nurses and midwives in Ghana. In a formal statement released on September 29, GNMTA highlighted that their members, who have dutifully fulfilled a mandatory year of service, have not received any financial compensation for over 12 months. This situation has created not only financial hardships but also emotional and psychological stress amongst the affected interns, who have been waiting for their dues despite being actively engaged in their professional duties during this period.
Despite an official increase in allowances that was implemented in two phases between September 2022 and September 2023, the reality for many of these interns remains starkly different from expectations. While some interns have begun receiving payments, the sums they are paid fall significantly short. According to GNMTA, the expected amount is GH¢1393.93 per month, but many are instead receiving approximately GH¢750 monthly, aggregating to only GH¢9000 for the entirety of the 12 months. This discrepancy raises critical issues about financial accountability and fairness within the public health service system for trainee nurses and midwives who are contributing to healthcare delivery in the country.
The demands made by GNMTA to the relevant authorities encapsulate the urgency and need for rectification in this troubling financial scenario. The association is calling on the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to take immediate action to address these concerns. Specifically, they are urging for a swift rectification of the discrepancies concerning allowance disbursements. This call for rectification emphasizes the importance of adhering to scheduled payments and ensuring the interns receive their entitled dues without any further delays.
Moreover, GNMTA insists on the necessity of ensuring that correct amounts, as established in the approved Salary Structure for the Nursing and Midwifery Services (SSSS), are disbursed along with any arrears from the previous year. This further illustrates the keen expectation that financial obligations owed to the rotational nurses and midwives need to be honored. The association’s demands highlight a broader plea for fairness and support for healthcare professionals who serve on the front lines of patient care amid challenging circumstances.
To build trust and reduce confusion, GNMTA has also underscored the need for transparent communication regarding the allowance structure and any future revisions. Such communication would help bridge the gap between the interns and the government bodies responsible for their payment, thereby preventing unrest among the trainees. Open and honest dialogues regarding financial matters and policy changes are essential to maintain morale and ensure that nursing and midwifery students can focus entirely on their roles without the burden of financial anxiety.
In conclusion, the call for action from GNMTA is a reflection of the serious implications that non-payment of allowances can have on the welfare of trainee nurses and midwives in Ghana. The association’s efforts to address these critical issues not only serve to safeguard the financial rights of its members, but they also advocate for the integrity of the public health system as a whole. By rectifying these payment discrepancies and ensuring clearer communication in the future, the government can foster a more supportive environment for future healthcare practitioners dedicated to serving their communities.
