Improve local conditions, not export nurses – GRNMA cautions government

The Greater Accra Regional Branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association has expressed concern over the government’s continued signing of agreements with foreign countries for the recruitment of Ghanaian nurses.

Their reaction follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ghana and Grenada during the visit of Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell to the Presidency on Friday, October 17.

The agreement was signed by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his Grenadian counterpart, Joseph Andall.

President John Dramani Mahama said the MoU aims to address healthcare needs in both countries while supporting Grenada’s health sector priorities.

However, the Association’s Greater Accra Regional President, Jefferson Asare Danquah, urged the government to prioritise improving working conditions for health professionals in Ghana rather than facilitating their recruitment abroad.

“What the government needs to do is to improve the service for those working. And further recruit more, so that the universal health coverage that we all want to achieve will be attained.

“Otherwise, this mantra of exporting nurses will not solve our problem; the nurses are leaving because of the poor conditions of service. So, if the government thinks that exporting nurses will solve any problem, I think otherwise.”

Source: Citinews.com