Doctors suspend nationwide withdrawal of services

Accra, Oct. 27, GNA - The National Executive Council of Ghana Medical Association (GMA), following an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, decided to suspend the nationwide withdrawal of services embarked on by its members.

A statement jointly signed by Dr Emmanuel Adom Winful, President and Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, General Secretary, said their decision was based on the numerous appeals by well-meaning Ghanaians and civil society groups both in and outside the country; the current flood situation in Accra with its attendant humanitarian crisis and taking due cognisance of the compulsory arbitration and its governing rules. It said GMA was convinced in the merits of their case and the legitimacy of their demands, adding "Our position is supported by a provision in the Labour Act which stipulates that overtime work must be paid for under clause 35 (1-3) Act 203.

"We wish to reiterate that the fight for fairness and justice will continue till it is attained. It is hoped that fairness, justice and facts adduced before the National Labour Commission will be the cardinal principles upon which this arbitration is conducted and the ruling made despite the extremely prejudicial comments of Mr Rojo Mettle-Nunoo, Deputy Minister of Health and other government officials.

"We wish to state unambiguously that whatever award is made by the National Labour Commission on the grading structure, promotional patterns and market premium will among other things have real implications for the number of extra hours that will be worked by doctors and job satisfaction henceforth." 26/Oct/2011