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The President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Frank Serebour, has defended the call for improved conditions of service, asserting that enhancing these conditions would help mitigate the current brain drain in the health sector.
Dr. Serebour deemed the demands realistic, emphasizing the necessity of salary increments and additional incentives for doctors. He proposed a system where individuals could enjoy retirement benefits after working continuously in Ghana for at least 20 years, suggesting that such an arrangement could discourage the brain drain phenomenon.
Highlighting the challenging circumstances some doctors face, Dr. Serebour pointed out instances where medical professionals, despite their crucial roles, have to rely on public transport or services like Uber to attend to emergencies. He underscored the urgency of addressing these issues, citing potential consequences such as loss of lives.
Characterizing their demands as essential, Dr. Serebour stressed that meeting these needs could influence the decisions of young professionals to pursue careers in the country.
During the 65th General Meeting of the Association, Dr. Serebour urged the government to prioritize the well-being and security of healthcare professionals both during and after active service. He specifically called for protection against workplace hazards and compensation for incidents.
Expressing impatience with delays, Dr. Serebour insisted that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission should promptly finalize the matter, pushing for salary increases that have been overdue. He asserted that any agreed-upon terms should be fully implemented by January 2024, and the GMA would demand the prompt implementation of any due aspects of the document during negotiations.
Source: Omanghana.com
