Trainee Nurses and Midwives Demand Immediate Payment of Outstanding Allowances by Government

The Coalition of Concerned Nurses and Midwives Trainees in Ghana has expressed alarm over the government’s failure to pay outstanding allowances, which has left hundreds of students in financial distress.

According to the group, despite assurances from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the government still owes trainees a staggering 22 months of arrears. Final-year students, who are currently completing their education, are particularly affected, with more than one hundred students facing expulsion from exam halls nationwide due to unpaid fees.

“The Coalition of Concerned Nurses and Midwives’ Trainee considers it unfortunate and equally inexcusable in recent times where Trainee Nurses and Midwives are required to pay monies ranging from GHC50.00 to GHC150.00 in the name of clinical charges before they are allowed to undertake their mandatory clinical experience in the various public health facilities in the country.

In a shocking shift, most hospitals have begun demanding cash payments from trainees for consumables like gloves, sanitizers, and pens, previously provided in kind. This new burden has pushed students to the brink, forcing them to choose between their education and basic needs,” parts of a statement read.

“Trainees who are unable to afford such amount or consumables have driven away, this is untenable and unacceptable. We want to state emphatically that we do not have the financial muscle to shoulder such extra charges and consumables since we render our services to the nation free of charge regardless of the various risks and infections we are exposed to. Besides, a component of the bill which is clinical attachment fee, is always paid together with our fees. This idea is not only alien but should not be entertained as it has impoverished Trainees and their guardians,” they stated

The Coalition of Concerned Nurses and Midwives Trainees has urged the government to consider paying an amount equivalent to 50% of the current trainees’ allowance as a Clinical Service Allowance.

“We once again call on the government through Ministry of Health to fulfil its promise by sanctioning the payment of Trainees’ allowance. The coalition is urging the government to: Settle all outstanding allowances immediately, Absorb the cost of consumables commodities e.g., glove, liquid soaps, savlon, Nose marks, pens, etc and accommodations for trainees during their clinicals, Implement the long-proposed Clinical Risk Allowance,” they demanded.

They added that, “The government’s inaction is crippling the future of healthcare in Ghana. We demand action now to address these grievances and ensure trainees can focus on their studies without financial distress.”