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Amidst growing concerns over the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association’s (GRNMA) statewide strike, a nursing mother lost one of her newborn twins at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua less than twenty-four hours after delivery.
Early on Monday, June 9, the incident took place. Both infants were moved from the lying-in ward to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and put in an incubator, according to Citi News. However, one of the twins passed away, allegedly as a result of delayed medical care.
Although the precise cause of death is still unknown, reports indicate that a major breakdown in care occurred when the NICU’s designated healthcare professional came late.
Attributing the tragedy to the ongoing industrial action, some nursing moms at the hospital have expressed fears and dissatisfaction.
“No nurse was available, and the one who came in to assist came in late to support, resulting in the death of the twin,” one mother told Citi News. “We’re suffering due to the strike—there are no nurses available. We’re pleading with the government to consider the nurses’ demand because the babies are dying.”
“The government should reach a compromise with the nurses,” another person commented. Our infants will keep dying if their demands are not met. We’re quite afraid.
After rejecting a government plan to postpone the introduction of their new conditions of service until 2026, the GRNMA announced the statewide strike. On Monday, the Ministry of Health, GRNMA leadership, and important stakeholders held an emergency meeting behind closed doors that ended without a decision.
Concern over the impact of the ongoing stalemate on vulnerable patients, especially mothers and babies, in medical facilities nationwide is mounting.
Source: Citi
