The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG), has voiced its frustration over the government’s failure to pay allowances to trainee nurses and midwives for 19 months. In a recent press release, the Union warned that it would hold the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) accountable in the upcoming election for this neglect, with members threatening to vote against the ruling party if the situation is not addressed.
Agbeti Robert Immortal, President of the UTNMG, outlined the grievances in a press release, describing the government’s actions as a “betrayal of trust” and “economic injustice.” He stated, “The government has consistently failed to honor its promises to pay allowances, and this neglect will no longer be tolerated. Trainees will hold politicians accountable, and this election will reflect the government’s disregard for our welfare.”
The Union claims that the unpaid allowances have led to severe financial hardship for the trainees, making it difficult to meet academic and personal expenses. This hardship, according to Immortal, has been compounded by increased tuition fees, with some institutions charging as much as GH₵9,000 and demanding that students pay up to 60% of their fees upfront or risk being barred from access to essential services like dining and examination halls. Immortal noted that these costs have driven many trainees to the brink, struggling to cover their academic and living expenses.
The Union also highlighted concerns over disparity in government support between nursing trainees and teacher trainees. Citing a recent instance, Immortal noted that the government released GHC219 million to 104,000 trainee nurses and midwives but allocated GHC216 million to only 67,000 teacher trainees. Teacher trainees receive additional government support, such as subsidized feeding fees and access to student loans, raising questions about fairness and equity, the Union stated.
The UTNMG has called for several reforms to address the financial challenges facing its members. These include reducing tuition and associated fees, making feeding costs optional, and merging all charges related to computer facilities. Immortal expressed concern that while some institutions are demanding 100% of fees upfront, others are requiring at least 60%, with non-compliance resulting in restricted access to essential campus resources.
The Union also raised issues regarding the delayed payment of National Service allowances to healthcare personnel, stating that the allowances have not been paid in full since January 2023. Immortal warned that such neglect could have far-reaching implications for the country’s healthcare system, potentially impacting Ghana’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including No Poverty (SDG 1), Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequality (SDG 10).
“The government’s failure to address these issues has exacerbated the financial burden on trainees, limiting health training opportunities to the wealthier few,” said Immortal. He concluded with a plea for the government to prioritize equity and sustainability in healthcare education. “The time for action is now,” he urged, “to ensure justice and equity in education and to restore the trust of trainee nurses and midwives.”
Source: GhanaFeed.Com