Accra: The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association is calling on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to immediately settle arrears owed to health facilities since November last year, warning that the delays are affecting the smooth operation of hospitals across the country.
According to Ghana Web, speaking at the launch of Critical Care Awareness Month and the celebration of ICU nurses at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital under the theme 'Beyond the Bedside: Courage, Care and Compassion,' the First Vice President of the association, Akoglo Samuel Alagkora, said persistent funding gaps continue to place enormous pressure on healthcare delivery. He emphasized that there is no direct funding going to health institutions from the Government of Ghana, and hospitals rely on internally generated funds to run their operations. Project funds from ministries or central government are not specifically meant for hospital services.
Alagkora highlighted that the money generated by hospitals is what they use to operate, and the delay in payments has led suppliers to chase hospitals for unpaid dues. He pointed out the chronic staff shortages and inadequate logistics that are increasing the pressure on nurses, warning that many are being forced to go beyond their professional roles to maintain patient care.
He raised concerns about the impact on patient care if nurses stop filling the gaps within the healthcare system, especially in rural areas where nurses often perform duties beyond their professional scope, such as suturing trauma patients. Alagkora noted that while nurses are aware of their roles, they often extend their limited skills to help fill system gaps, emphasizing the challenges they face when their standard of care is judged below expectations.
The event saw attendance from key stakeholders in the health sector, including Christian Owoo, Director of the Medical Training and Simulation Centre at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC); Dr. Hafiz Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health; Faustina Excel Adipa, Principal of the PON/CCN School; Dr. Anita Ohenewaa Yawson; and other health professionals.