GMA calls for a review of doctors’ conditions of service

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on the government to review the conditions of service of medical doctors and other health professionals.

The GMA said the review is imperative due to the economic hardship in the country.

The GMA made the declaration at its 64th annual general conference in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region to deliberate on the theme, “addressing the doctor distribution dilemma: the case of Ghana and its undeserved areas.”

Speaking to the media, the president of the GMA Dr Frank Serebour said: “The medical doctor is at the mercy of the harsh economic realities we are facing currently. The escalating prices of fuel, food, goods and services make it very difficult for all of us in the public sector as well as doctors to make ends meet. Currently, the condition of service of medical doctors and other health professionals is deteriorating by the day.”

“The fuel by the surging inflation and depreciation of the cedi has resulted in loss of over 60% of the real value of our stagnated salaries,” he added.

The GMA has therefore called on the government for an urgent review of the condition of service of doctors and other health professionals.

According to the association’s president, “the GMA expects an adjustment of their full allowance without any delay… in line with the implementation of the agreement on their condition of service.”

The association is calling on the government as a matter of urgency to open discussions on negotiations with immediate effect.