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The Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives of Ghana (UPNMG) has escalated its call for improved working conditions for healthcare workers, highlighting the worsening conditions at health facilities in the Upper West Region. During a regional Nurses and Midwives Conference held in Wa, under the theme “Who Cares for the Caregiver; The Plight of the Ghanaian Nurse,” the Union raised alarms about the increasing strain on nurses and midwives, warning that this situation poses a serious risk to the quality of healthcare delivery.
Kenneth Naaeder, the Acting Regional President of the Union, painted a grim picture of the daily challenges faced by healthcare professionals. He described how many nurses and midwives are forced to work long hours with inadequate rest, managing large patient loads due to chronic understaffing. “Nurses and midwives are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet they continue to work in conditions that fail to reflect the significance of their roles,” he said. He added that this has resulted in widespread burnout and emotional stress among staff.
Naaeder further pointed out the severe risks healthcare workers face, such as exposure to infections, psychological trauma, and verbal and physical abuse, all within underfunded and poorly equipped facilities.
Maxwell Oduro Yeboah, the National President of UPNMG, stressed the need for urgent and comprehensive policy interventions to address these challenges. He emphasized that the welfare of caregivers directly impacts the quality of patient care. “If caregivers are not well supported, it will undoubtedly affect the quality of service delivery. We need policies that focus on the health, safety, and well-being of nurses and midwives,” he said.
The Union outlined several key demands, including the immediate recruitment and timely posting of trained nurses, equitable staff distribution to underserved areas, improved working conditions, better remuneration, and the establishment of dedicated mental health support systems for healthcare workers.
In response, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, acknowledged the concerns raised and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the conditions of service for healthcare workers. He promised targeted policies focusing on better remuneration, infrastructure, and professional development.
However, the Minister urged nurses and midwives to uphold high professional standards, emphasizing that discipline, compassion, and ethical conduct are essential in maintaining public trust in the profession.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source:Loco tv