Strike by doctors not that alarming – Health Minister insists

Madam Sherry Ayittey

The Minister of Health, Sherry Ayittey has stated, rather unequivocally, that the ongoing strike action by the Ghana Medical Association has not reached an alarming proportion yet.

She has therefore faulted the media for blowing the issue out of proportion and creating the “wrong impression” to the general public.

Speaking to Joy News' Evans Mensah on Monday, she insisted that the various heads of health institutions are at post and in charge, stressing that the strike is under control.

Maternity and children wards are working, ambulances are on standby, she maintained.

“I think you have a wrong impression, I don't think the situation is that alarming as you are trying to put it on the air,” she said.

Madam Ayittey said the government is collaborating with quasi government health facilities to handle outpatient cases as well as working to get the Police Hospital, the 37 Military Hospital and other paramedical institutions on board to put the issue under control.

She however said the government is still negotiating with the doctors and hoped by the middle of the week both parties would come to an agreement.

“We can assure the public that the situation will not worsen by next week,” he stated.