The Coalition of Concerned Nurses and Midwives Trainees in Ghana has issued a stark warning to the government, highlighting the severe financial distress facing hundreds of students due to outstanding allowances.
Despite assurances from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, trainees are still owed a staggering 22 months of arrears, with some facing expulsion from exam halls due to unpaid fees.
Adding to the trainees’ woes, new financial burdens have emerged. Students are now required to pay clinical charges, ranging from GHC 50.00 to GHC 150.00, for their mandatory clinical experiences in public health facilities.
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This includes costs for consumables like gloves, sanitizers, and pens, which were previously provided by the hospitals.
“We lack the financial capacity to bear these extra charges, especially since we provide our services to the nation free of charge, despite the risks involved,” said Immortal Agbeti Robert, a convener of the Coalition. “We already pay a clinical attachment fee, so these additional charges are unreasonable.”
The Coalition is demanding immediate action from the government, including:
- Settlement of all outstanding allowances.
- Absorption of the costs of consumable commodities and accommodation for trainees during clinicals.
- Implementation of the long-proposed Clinical Risk Allowance.
The Coalition warns that failure to address these issues will cripple the future of healthcare in Ghana.
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“We demand action now to ensure trainees can focus on their studies without financial distress,” said Mr. Agbeti Robert.
Data from the Coalition reveals that 73 institutions are affected, with a total of GHC 370,548,000.00 owed to continuing students before the most recent payments in May 2024.
The discrepancies between the budgeted funds and actual disbursements have further compounded the crisis, leading to a net loss of GHC 13,282,400.00, which could have covered almost two months of allowances for trainees.
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The Coalition is calling on the Ministry of Health to fulfill its promises and resolve these financial discrepancies, ensuring a stable future for the nation’s healthcare providers.
