The Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG) has issued a stark warning to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian government: address the critical challenges facing nurses and midwives or risk the collapse of the nation’s healthcare system. Their concerns, outlined in a press release, stem from the President’s failure to address these crucial issues in his State of the Nation Address. The UPNMG argues that the government’s silence on these matters is a dangerous oversight, given the pivotal role nurses and midwives play in healthcare delivery. The union highlighted a range of pressing issues, including poor remuneration, significant delays in postings for newly qualified professionals, and the alarming rate at which skilled nurses and midwives are emigrating in search of better opportunities abroad.
The UPNMG painted a grim picture of the working conditions faced by many nurses and midwives in Ghana. They contend with inadequate resources, crumbling infrastructure, and a lack of essential support, such as housing and transportation. These difficult circumstances not only demoralize the workforce but also drive many to seek greener pastures in other countries. This brain drain, the union argues, further exacerbates existing staffing shortages and weakens the healthcare system’s capacity to effectively serve the population. The lack of housing and transportation exacerbates the financial strain on these professionals, making it even more challenging for them to meet their basic needs and further fueling the desire to leave the country.
The union’s appeal centers on the urgent need for tangible action to address these multifaceted challenges. They are calling for immediate measures to improve staffing levels, ensure fair and competitive wages, and provide significantly better working conditions. Specifically, the UPNMG is advocating for housing support to alleviate the financial burden on nurses and midwives, incentives for those willing to serve in rural and underserved areas, and the reinstatement of vehicle import duty waivers to ease transportation difficulties. The union emphasizes that genuine engagement and collaboration with unions representing healthcare professionals are essential to developing sustainable solutions. They believe that their firsthand experience and understanding of the challenges are invaluable in crafting effective policies and strategies.
The UPNMG stresses the direct link between the well-being of nurses and midwives and the quality of healthcare delivered in Ghana. They argue that when these professionals are burdened by inadequate pay, lack of housing, and challenging working conditions, their ability to provide optimal care is significantly diminished. The union draws a comparison with other nations that prioritize investment in their healthcare workforce, emphasizing that Ghana must follow suit to ensure a robust and effective healthcare system. They believe that investing in the well-being of nurses and midwives is not merely an expenditure but a crucial investment in the health and future of the nation.
The exodus of healthcare professionals from Ghana is a growing crisis, with reports indicating that over 5,000 nurses and midwives left for Europe, North America, and the Middle East in 2024 alone. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. The UPNMG warns that this brain drain will continue unabated unless concrete steps are taken to address the underlying issues driving these professionals to seek opportunities abroad. They argue that losing experienced and skilled nurses and midwives not only weakens the healthcare system but also represents a significant loss of investment in their training and development.
The UPNMG’s message to the government is clear: the time for empty promises is over. They contend that without genuine support and concrete action to address the pressing needs of nurses and midwives, Ghana’s healthcare system is on a path to collapse. The union’s call to action is a plea to prioritize the well-being of these essential healthcare professionals, recognizing that their dedication and commitment are crucial to the health and prosperity of the nation. The UPNMG emphasizes that investing in nurses and midwives is not a luxury but a necessity for a functioning and effective healthcare system.
