Health workers warn CSA to stop deducting their monies

Tema, April 24, GNA - The National Executive Council of the Health Services Workers Union (HSWU) has warned the Civil Servants Association (CSA) to cease deducting monies from salaries of health workers towards the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

In a six point resolution adopted at the end of a two-day national workshop over the week-end at Tema, the Council explained that under the NHIS "we are not expected to pay in view of our contribution of 2.5 percent of the 17 .5 percent of SSNIT deductions to the Scheme".

The resolution jointly signed by Reverend R.K. Yeboah, the National Chairman and Mr John G. Akoto, the General Secretary, said with the CSA, beneficiaries of the Health Insurance Scheme are to pay premium before they qualify under it but since the health workers contribute to the SSNIT the deductions are unfortunate.

"We therefore call on CSA to stop all such deductions forthwith to forestall any undesirable situation".

While calling on parliament to expedite action on the passage of Ghana Health Service/Teaching Hospital Act 525 of 1996 to make it operational, the resolution also urged the Ghana Health Service Council to invite the union for negotiations of conditions of service on behalf of the workers.

It noted that the NHIS would put a strain on the few patriotic health workers and appealed to the Ghana National Health Service and teaching hospitals to provide adequate logistics as motivation for them. With the coming into force of the new Labour Act 651 of 2003, it called for constant education for all related stakeholders to promote peace and harmony at workplaces.

Dr (Mrs) Gladys Norley Ashietey, the Deputy Minister of Health, called on the union members to remain united, build a strong workforce and to work harder to ensure progress.

She urged them to come out with new ideas to support the leadership to ensure quality health care delivery.

Nine past union executive members and retirees were rewarded with electrical gadgets and other home appliances for their meritorious work.