GRNMA backs Free Primary Healthcare policy as essential

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has thrown its weight behind the newly launched Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) policy, describing it as a vital component for effective health delivery in the country.

Speaking at a durbar organised by the association in Sandema in the Builsa North Municipality on Friday, April 22, Mr Samuel Alagkora Akolgo, the First Vice President of the GRNMA, urged healthcare professionals and the public to embrace the initiative.

The FPHC policy was officially launched by President John Dramani Mahama on April 15 at the Shai Osudoku District Hospital in Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region.

While commending the government for the initiative, Mr Akolgo, a lawyer and an anaesthetist, issued a stern warning to healthcare professionals, especially nurses, regarding the management of medical supplies for the policy implementation.

“We do not want to hear reports of any member diverting resources. Use the items strictly for the purposes for which they were provided,” Mr Akolgo cautioned.

On the welfare of members, the First Vice President reminded the government that their negotiated rural incentives remained unpaid.

He also noted that the allowances were part of core grievances during their industrial action last year.
He said Primary Health Care was largely centred in rural communities, and that payment of the incentives would act as a “booster” for staff morale

Mr Akolgo urged nurses and midwives not to compromise on their professionalism due to the delayed payment, saying, “For the fact that it is delayed, do not use that as an excuse to provide poor service.”

The durbar, held under the theme: “Strength in Unity: Advancing Nursing Through Unionism”, brought together various categories of nurses and midwives and featured a frank assessment of local healthcare challenges

Mr Cabral Vwawojei Bantiu, the Builsa North Municipal Director of Health Services, highlighted several critical gaps, including low performance in expanded immunisation programmes, poor staff attitude, weak teamwork and inefficient generation of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) funds.

He reminded the association that unionism extended beyond fighting for better wages.

“It is about standing together not only to demand better, but to be better,” he said

Mr Solomon Ansoabyie Akogti, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), lauded the GRNMA for its history of advocating for the welfare and professional development of its members over the years.

He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting nurses and midwives, noting that a motivated workforce was the direct catalyst for improved healthcare outcomes in the Municipality.

“As a Municipal Assembly, we recognise that a motivated and united nursing workforce directly translates into improved healthcare outcomes for our people,” the MCE stated.

Source: GNA