Junior doctors threaten to strike again

Accra (Greater Accra) 12 April '99

Junior doctors in the Greater Accra region on Monday threatened to lay down their tools if their additional duty allowance for the month of March is not paid by Thursday, April 15 . The doctors accused the Ministry of Health of "feet dragging" in the payment of the allowance, and offering "flimsy excuses" at the least opportunity. In a statement signed by Dr. George B. Kyei, spokesman of the group, the doctors said their patience was running out and they expected the Ministry to show more commitment by paying all allowances on schedule. They demanded that their April and May allowances at the faculty level be paid on or before April 30 and May 31, respectively, to keep them at work. "At the end of June, and in subsequent months, we shall only accept payments made through our banks and not at faculty level". The statement deplored the attitude of the Ministries of Health and Employment and Social Welfare in misrepresenting the terms of the agreement captured in the memorandum of understanding, adopted sometime ago, through circulars and the mass media. The group declared their willingness to play their part in the health care delivery, but called on their employers to always endeavour to fulfil their part of the bargain.