HIV/AIDS patients hard hit by GHOSPA strike – Health Minister

Persons living with HIV/ AIDS are said to be one of the hardest hit groups of Ghanaians by the ongoing strike by the Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA), Health Minister Alex Segbefia has revealed.

He told Onua 95.1FM Tuesday that the drugs for those patients could not be dispensed by just anybody but qualified pharmacists, hence urged GHOSPA members to reconsider their action and resume work to save lives.

Mr Segbefia observed the strike is having negative impact on health delivery across the country, hence pleaded with GHOSPA members to resume work.

The strike, which started a week ago, has seen pharmacists at all government-run health facilities withdraw their services to push government to address issues regarding their market premium which has been lingering for the past six years.

The pharmacists last week turned down a plea by the Employment and Labour Minister, Haruna Iddrisu to end their strike and vowed continue until their issues are addressed.

But Mr Segbefia has underscored the role of the pharmacists in the health delivery system, noting that their action is having dire consequences on patients.

“The association should get back to work and save lives and come jaw-jaw it out with government”, Mr Segbefia added.