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We’re not soldiers, we never promised to sacrifice our lives – Nurses, Midwives Association

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has threatened to prioritize their wellbeing and life over that of patients should the government continually refuse to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to health facilities across the country.

According to the spokesperson of the association, health workers have always complained of inadequate supplies of PPEs ever since the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic started.

The Public Relations Officer of the GRNMA, Joseph Krampah in an interview with Happy 98.9 FM’s Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show said, “When the virus broke out, nurses and doctors called on the government to address our numerous concerns but we were not listened to. Now, there are no PPEs in the system.”

“Health workers, unlike soldiers, didn’t pledge to put their lives down for the nation. We said we will save lives regardless of tribe and treat all lives as equals. If we don’t receive the PPEs, then it means we have to be cautious and move away from the virus.”

He disclosed that over the week, some 19 doctors and 26 nurses contracted coronavirus in Tamale and this can be linked to the shortage of PPEs. Mr. Krampah added that if health workers receive PPEs on a timely basis, they will have no problem doing their work.

“But if your life is in danger and you don’t have PPEs to protect yourself, you have to prioritize your life. If we don’t get the PPEs, we can’t risk our lives. There is a law that supports us on this front and we will put our lives first,” he said.

Joseph Krampah revealed that the morale of health workers was very low because of the surge in COVID-19 infections amongst health workers.

He reiterated the need for constant supplies of PPEs noting that the government’s excuse of shortages will not be taken anymore. “We see the ordinary Ghanaian using facemasks and PPEs of medical standards. If the government can’t get it, then where did they get it from?” he asked.

The spokesperson of the GRNMA demanded PPEs from the government.

“They should bring us the PPEs. We are really getting frustrated. We can’t sacrifice our lives for others. No one’s life is a second-hand life.” Over seven hundred and seventy-nine health workers in the country have contracted the novel Coronavirus with nine deaths as of June 30, with the number steadily climbing up.

The affected health workers include 190 doctors with 4 unfortunate deaths, 410 nurses and midwives with one death also. 150 health service workers with 3 unfortunate deaths and also 23 government hospital pharmacists.

These cases have been attributed to the inadequate supply of PPE, delays in receipt of COVID-19 test results, amongst others.

 

Source: happyghana.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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