GMA Doctors Threaten to Withdraw Services

Doctors of the Greater Accra Branch of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) have threatened to withdraw their services by 1600 hours on Wednesday if their Additional Duty Allowance (ADH) for January is not paid.

A source close to the administration of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the doctors took the decision at an emergency meeting held at the hospital.

According to the source, the doctors have also resolved that they will not accept the 25 per cent tax on their ADH.

"On March 1, the Ministry of Health issued a circular that with effect from January 1, the tax on ADH has been increased from 15 to 25 per cent," the source said. The source explained that it is unlikely the doctors will receive their ADH "either today or tomorrow because the Ministry of Finance has not issued any authority for the money to be paid."

The source appealed to the doctors to exercise restraint since the new government needs time to study the issue before issuing any directive to the Bank of Ghana for payment.

Dr Henry Holdbrook-Smith, Chief Executive of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, confirmed the doctors' threat and said all efforts are being made to forestall any disaster should they go on strike.

He said the administration is putting measures in place to hold the fort should the doctors carry out their threat.

"We are trying to get some nurses to take care of all cases especially those on admission and refer serious ones to either the Military or Police hospitals."