The Minority in Parliament has described as unsustainable, plans by government to fly in Cuban doctors to support public hospitals as the Ghana Medical Association’s strike stretches into a fourth week.
The comments come days after the Health Minister, Alex Segbefia announced at a press conference that 177 Cuban doctors are expected in the country in batches.
Addressing a news conference on Thursday, the Minority Spokesperson on Health, Dr. Richard Anane stated that such decision had always not favoured the country.
[contextly_sidebar id=”Oovx7x9u6UOvFbA64hCtvg7pl7GAo9QD”]“The experiment of inviting Cuban medical brigade when confronted with a similar situation during the 80s was never of any benefit to the state in the long run and we are of the hope that government can learn from the history of the past and not commit the same mistake,” he said.
The minority also criticized what it referred to as a public disclosure of the proposals by the doctors which they believe was meant to pitch the general public against the doctors.
The minority further urged government to show commitment in addressing the concerns of the striking doctors.
“We want to urge His Excellency, President Mahama and the government to as a matter of urgency take steps to win back the confidence of the GMA so that parties can relax and come to the negotiation table and settle the impasse amicably,” Dr. Anane said.
Meanwhile government has been impressed upon to “restrain all its communicators from making unguided statements on the strike while negotiations are ongoing.”
The Minority finally “urged government to as a matter of urgency to constitute the board of the commission to ensure effective implementation of its mandate.”
The GMA strike has entered its third week as negotiations have hit a deadlock. Reports from some health centres also indicate that some doctors have defied the instruction from the health Minister ordering them to report to work by Thursday.
In the meantime, the Health Ministry said it has recalled some retired doctors as well as those on leave as a means of containing the increased pressure that has resulted from the strike.
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citifmonline.com/Ghana