Graduate nurses and midwives in Tamale, Northern Region, voiced their frustration on the streets, protesting the delay in their postings. They directed their grievances towards the government, specifically targeting the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance, for their perceived failure to provide financial clearance and secure permanent employment for over 75,000 professionals who have successfully passed their licensing exams.
The protesters emphasized the urgency of addressing the backlog of nurses and midwives from 2020 to 2022 who are awaiting their postings. They highlighted the paradox of qualified professionals remaining unemployed while unqualified individuals, such as senior high school graduates with minimal training, are favored for employment in healthcare wards.
Abdul Rauf, one of the nurses, “questioned the role of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in alleviating their plight, citing its mandate to ensure the highest standards of training and practice for nurses and midwives in the country.”
Another nurse lamented the challenges faced by the profession, “including lengthy rotations and delayed allowances release, emphasizing the critical role of nurses as the backbone of every country’s healthcare system.”
The protest underscores the pressing need for timely action from government authorities to address the concerns of unemployed nurses and midwives and ensure the efficient functioning of the healthcare sector.
