Mr Francis Zimmaleh, Chairman of the Greater Accra Chapter of Buwa Development Association, has called for the immediate resolution of the impasse between government and the striking doctors over their conditions of service.
This, he said would ensure efficient healthcare delivery.
The Association described the strike as a dangerous trend in the country’s health sector, which could affect productivity with rippling effect on the economy and the country’s development agenda.
“The Health conditions of Ghanaians must at all times be regarded and pursued as a matter of priority since that has direct implication on the socio-economic development of the nation,” Mr Zimmaleh said at a news briefing.
Buwa Development Association, with more than 40,000 members nationwide, is headquartered in Sissala West - Zinii in the Upper West region, and seeks to socially and economically empower members.
“The effects of doctors strike cannot be measured as innocent people are losing their lives…Lives lost cannot be redeemed that is why we are calling upon doctors to rescind their decision.
“We believe doctors have a major role in the development of our nation,” he added.
Mr Zimmaleh said while the Association acknowledges doctors deserve good conditions of service, they should resume work immediately to save lives.
“We want to appeal to them [doctors] that they return to their work as negotiations with government continues,” he said.
The Association urged government to return to the negotiating table as a matter of urgency to find lasting solution to the outstanding issues raised by the striking doctors.
“We expect both parties to work in good faith in arriving at an amicable solution, we believe that the economic challenges facing our country shall be considered in these dialogues to ensure equity and mutual accountability.”
The Ghana Medical Association declared a nationwide strike in July, citing government inability to resolve their grievances over working conditions.
The doctors who have threatened to resign en bloc by August 14, started their strike with the withdrawal of out-outpatients department services and later suspended emergency services.
