Pharm.D. House Officers To Strike On August 29, 2022
The 2021 graduates of Doctors of Pharmacy have threatened strike action on August 29, 2022, if the Ministry of Health and Finance fails to meet their demands.
The graduates relay their grievances to the Ministry of Health seeking the release of their clearance, appointment letters, and monthly allowances.
“We would want to inform all stakeholders about our collective decision to halt our housemanship effective August 29, 2022. We would be available to continue the housemanship as required by law once all our grievances are met.”
In a letter issued, it has been disclosed that the graduates have failed to be served with their housemanship appointment letters 7 months after being directed to commence work.
“In a letter dated 18th January 2022, the pharmacy council instructed us to begin the housemanship on 24th January 2022. After 7 months, we have not received appointment letters from the Ministry of Health. This concern was raised last year and the council said we should not worry. We should start work and they will get it done,” the letter said.
It further stated that a month ago, the Ministry of Health gave their assurance to tackle the issue of which some reliefs were proposed which included “allocation of interest-free loans from the PSGH, consultation of heads of the various institutions with house officers to possibly give us some house allowances and discussions with our preceptors to lessen the workload placed on us to allow some flexibility for us to pick up locum jobs.”
Even though, the graduates are glad about the provisions made, they still look forward to receiving their appointment letters and monthly salaries otherwise a strike action will be taken to that effect.
“Interest free loans to a maximum of 2,000 cedis have been available to us for those interested. We commend the PSGH executives for their thoughtfulness. We are very grateful for the opportunity.
“Unfortunately, most of us are unable to go for these loans as our hopes of getting paid if ever, wane with each passing day of silence on the real issues. We find it difficult getting guarantors as well.”
Source: Opemsuo.com/ Monica M. Appiah-Manu
