ANESTHETISTS STRIKE DEAL WITH GOVERNMENT

ANESTHETISTS STRIKE DEAL WITH GOVERNMENT
The Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anesthetists (GACRA) and employers in the healthcare sector have reached a landmark agreement following a series of negotiation meetings.
The negotiation meetings aimed to address the long-standing grievances of GACRA members regarding their salaries, working conditions, and benefits.
It is the first-ever agreement between GACRA and the government marking a significant milestone. The government team, represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, the Ministry of Health, and its implementing agencies, signed the agreement with GACRA.
During the negotiation, the union emphasised the challenges faced by anesthetists, including scarcity of skills, high workload, and limited numbers. Both parties agreed that these concerns could be addressed through a Scheme of Service.
CRITICAL ROLE OF ANESTHETISTS
After signing the agreement, Ign. Benjamin Arthur, Chief Executive of the FWSC, said the agreement sets a positive precedent for future negotiations and demonstrates the commitment of the two parties to work together to address the needs of anesthetists in the public sector.
Also, he said the agreement recognises the critical role anesthetists play in Ghana’s healthcare system, and the government was committed to ensure their compensation reflects their value to the sector.
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, he said was dedicated to ensuring equity and fairness in compensation and benefits for all public sector workers, and the agreement was a significant step in that direction.
The Director of Grievances and Negotiations at the FWSC, Prof Charles A. Oppong, said “we appreciate the collaborative spirit and constructive engagement from both parties, which enabled us to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
He expressed the hope that the agreement would boost morale, enhance productivity, and lead to improved healthcare delivery for Ghanaians.
The President of GACRA, James Nwinsagra, said “we’ve crossed a significant bridge, but this marks just the beginning, and we are excited to move forward, building on this momentum to achieve even greater heights.
He indicated the willingness of the association to collaborate closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the agreement and explore opportunities for further improvements.
“We look forward to implementing the provisions of this agreement and continuing our collaboration with the government to ensure the well-being of our members and the patients they serve,” the GACRA President added.
According to Mr Nwinsagra, “our goal has always been to prioritize patient care while advocating for the rights of our members. This agreement brings us closer to achieving that goal.”
Mr Nwinsagra also expressed his gratitude towards the government, saying, “we are grateful for the government’s willingness to listen and collaborate with us to find solutions. This agreement demonstrates our shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Ghana.”

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