Bolgatanga: The District Directors of Health Services Group (DDHS-G) in Ghana have made a formal appeal to the government, urging it to address their working conditions. Dr. Justice Thomas Sevugu, the National Chairman of the DDHS-G, highlighted the lack of meaningful negotiations on salary adjustments and related matters since the introduction of the Single Spine Salary Structure.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Sevugu spoke at the opening of a four-day Annual General Conference in Bolgatanga, themed 'From Policy to Practice: The DDHS Driving Free Primary Health Care in Ghana.' The event was attended by prominent figures such as Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, and Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), among others.
Dr. Sevugu emphasized the crucial role of the DDHS-G in implementing national health policies yet lamented the absence of a formal structure for negotiating their service conditions. He noted that not only the DDHS-G but also regional directors and other technical executive groups have been excluded from discussions on financial conditions and salary adjustments since the introduction of the Single Spine in 2010.
The appeal from the DDHS-G was accompanied by an account of welfare initiatives they have implemented to support colleagues facing social and financial challenges. Within one year, more than GHS680,000 was disbursed to 20 retired beneficiaries, and GHS150,000 was allocated to members affected by disasters. Additionally, GHS27,000 was provided to bereaved members, with funds coming from personal contributions of members.
Dr. Sevugu urged authorities to establish a mechanism for formally discussing and negotiating the conditions of service for these technical groups. He stressed that staff welfare is essential for maintaining an effective healthcare system, despite the ongoing challenges.
The Directors reiterated their commitment to implementing government health policies to enhance community-level services. Dr. Sevugu stated, 'Like soldiers, we are ready in the battlefield. Whatever direction instructions are given, we shall deliver up to the target.'