A group calling itself the ‘Coalition of Unemployed Nurses and Midwives’ in the Upper West Region, is calling on government to expedite action on their employment and subsequent postings to health facilities across the country.
At a press conference held in Wa, the group said they are frustrated and disappointed at government’s “lackadaisical attitude” towards employing them after two years of their training.
The coalition comprises 112 members who completed various Nursing Training Colleges in 2013 and 2014.
Secretary of the group, Abu Stephen Sunbamaala, who addressed the conference said they are running out of patience as their continuous stay at home without jobs, does not only frustrate them but also kills the enthusiasm for education among their parents.
“We have run out of patience, our skills are becoming obsolete and our professionalism fading. Staying without jobs is not only frustrating but demotivates our parents in taking care of our younger ones in school”.
Mr. Abu Sunbamaala wonders why government refused to engage them “but rather embarked on recruiting untrained nurses under the Youth Employment Programme “.
He lamented that the harsh economic situation in the country is taking a huge toll on their livelihood as they continue depend on their parents under deplorable conditions.
The unemployed nurses and midwives further explained that due to “a train and retain” bond they were made to sign before their enrolment into the various nursing training colleges in the region, they are unable to get employment in private health facilities.
They have therefore given government a one-week ultimatum to address their concerns or they will be compelled to picket at the Flagstaff House until they are employed.
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By: Mahama Latif/citifmonline.com/Ghana