Junior doctors to withdraw services after months of neglect

Turning Point Foundation expresses deep concern over the announcement by the Junior Doctors’ Association of Ghana (JDA-GH) to embark on a nationwide withdrawal of services. This drastic action follows months of neglect and unfair treatment of junior doctors—professionals who form a vital part of the country’s health system and whose commitment remains indispensable to saving lives.

Reports indicate that over 200 junior doctors have worked for 10 to 14 months without receiving their salaries. In addition, several medical officers who were previously on payroll have had their salaries stopped without explanation. Even more troubling, more than 800 medical officers have been awaiting posting for over a year and four months. Despite repeated engagements with authorities and goodwill demonstrated towards the government, no meaningful solutions have been offered. This has left the JDA-GH with no option but to direct its members to begin withdrawal of outpatient services from Tuesday, 7th October to Thursday, 9th October 2025, followed by a suspension of emergency services from Friday, 10th October 2025 until further notice. Inpatients will continue to be managed until discharge, but no new admissions will be accepted.

The Foundation acknowledges the frustration and hardship these young doctors face. Working without pay for nearly a year or more, being denied postings, or losing salaries without justification represents not only exploitation but a violation of basic labour rights and professional dignity. It also undermines the health system’s ability to function effectively, as junior doctors make up a significant proportion of frontline care providers across Ghana.

This crisis is not an isolated labour dispute but a reflection of systemic weaknesses in workforce planning, payroll management, and health sector accountability. The implications are severe: if unresolved, the withdrawal of services will disrupt access to both routine and emergency care, deepen inequities in service delivery, and further erode public trust in Ghana’s healthcare system. The responsibility for these outcomes lies squarely with the Ministry of Health and the Government of Ghana.

Turning Point Foundation calls on government and all relevant stakeholders to act immediately and decisively. Salaries owed to junior doctors must be paid without delay. The backlog of medical officers awaiting posting must be resolved transparently and fairly. Systems must be put in place to prevent such recurring crises, including timely payroll integration, improved human resource planning, and institutional accountability mechanisms that protect health workers from exploitation.

The continued neglect of Ghana’s junior doctors sends a dangerous message about how the nation values its health workforce. If government expects dedication, sacrifice, and “premium” service from its doctors, it must first demonstrate respect, fairness, and responsibility in its dealings with them. Anything less compromises not only the welfare of health workers but also the health and dignity of every Ghanaian who depends on their service.

Turning Point Foundation stands in solidarity with Ghana’s junior doctors and reiterates the urgent need for government to prioritize health workforce welfare as a matter of justice, equity, and national security.