We contribute 80% IGF yet not represented in leadership positions – Allied Health professionals at KBTH protest

Members of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) chapter of the Federation of Allied Health Professions are demanding the appointment of a director to supervise their activities.

The Allied Health Professions consist of over twenty-three disciplines:

1.Radiography
2.Biomedical Laboratory Science
3.Blood Bank
4.Biomedical Engineering
5.Audiology/Speech Therapy
6.Nutrition and Dietetics
7.Occupational Therapy
8.Physiotherapy
9.Medical Physicist
10.Optometry
11.Biostatistics
12.Health Information Management
13.Dental Technicians etc…

Doctor Francis Kwakye Antwi who is the Chapter Chairman, stated that “despite our contributions, which includes providing over 80% of internally generated funds in the hospital, we have been marginalized and excluded from leadership positions. This has taken a huge toll on our members and affected productivity, since we are rather treated as second-rate professionals in spite of the many qualifications attained”.

He added that, “If the board does not attend to our plea, Thursday, 1st, August- Work-to-rule (members will limit their services to only the barest minimum and would not do any extra hours. Members will not work on Weekends and on Holidays). Friday, 2nd August – Withdrawal of OPD services (members will only attend to emergency cases and In-Patients. No new admission will be attended to).

“Monday, 5th August- Withdrawal of In-Patients services (members will stop attending to In- Patients and attend only to emergencies. All out -Patient services will cease). Tuesday, 6th August – Full strike (members will sit at home and not come to work at all). Wednesday, 7th August- Nationawide Strike (sister health institution across the country will join the strike action),” the Chapter Chairman added.

He lamented that “we will not be silenced or ignored. We demand recognition and respect for our professions. We will fight for our right, and we will not back down”.

“We hereby call on all Ghanaians to support this cause and join us to demand immediate response from authorities in order to make the Allied Health Professions more efficient and improve healthcare delivery”.

The National President for the Federation, Doctor Shiraz Issahaku said “if the Ministry of Health and the Board of Korle Bu refuse to respond, we have no option but to go on nationwide strike”.

By Regina Akua Sarpomaa