KATH laboratory workers declare strike

Laboratory professionals at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have announced a sit-down strike beginning Thursday, May 20, 2021.

They are angry over a decision by the management of KATH to post two medical officers to the laboratory Services Directorate as Clinical Haematologists.

Announcing the industrial action to the media, Chairman of KATH Chapter for Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist (GAMLS), Ernest Badu Boateng said the consensus was arrived after a crunch meeting with members.

“From tomorrow Thursday to next week Wednesday, May 26 2021 all laboratory services would be withdrawn; from the infectious diseases and research lab and the blood bank lab. This means COVID testing and surgical cases that will require blood will halt.

“If our demands are not met by Wednesday, then we will decide on the next line of action to get the professional suppression and oppression out of our way”.

The group wants management of KATH to as a matter of urgency take the two physicians out of the lab and reassign them.

“Our practice is guided by regulation so you cannot just pick anybody to work in the lab if the person is not licensed and trained to discharge that duty”.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Medical Association has described as disturbing the industrial action by the Laboratory Scientists.

In a press statement signed by its President, Dr Frank Ankobeah, GMA said the demand by KATH chapter of the Medical Laboratory Scientist is ill-informed and completely unacceptable.

“The GMA has every confidence in the management of KATH and its ability to resolve this impasse, create conducive working environment for all its staff and ensure cohesion in the healthcare team.

“Nonetheless, we will not stand aloof while our members are threatened and harassed.

“We hereby serve notice to the Ministry of Health, the management of KATH and all other stakeholders that the GMA will respond appropriately should this illegality on our members be acceded to”.