Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-02-20 00:38:56
Workers at the Ganta United Methodist Hospital in Ganta City, Nimba County have recently initiated a go-slow in demand of three months’ salary arrears and other benefits. This work stoppage has resulted in the disruption of normal activities at the hospital, leading to the rejection of patients seeking medical attention.
The go-slow has garnered widespread support from various departments of the hospital, including surgery room, Laboratory department, Emergency Entrance, Orthopedic Unit, Eye Clinic, X-ray, Pharmacy, Dental and Record Room, Maintenance department, Accounting and Business department, and Medical Doctors assigned at the faith-based institution. As a result of the go-slow, nurses and doctors have abandoned their work, leaving the fate of patients in limbo.
The Ganta United Methodist Hospital, which has a total staff of more than 200 including doctors, nurses, and others, has experienced no reported deaths since the commencement of the go-slow last week. The aggrieved workers have cited concerns about being underpaid, with staff members holding Bachelor of Science degrees earning a monthly salary of 15,000 Liberian Dollars and below, while security guards and janitors receive LRD 3000 and LRD 4000 as monthly pay.
Addressing workers at the hospital, the Head of the Workers Union, Gabriel K.W. Tounzea emphasized that their demands are non-negotiable. He stated that they will continue to reject patients except those currently at the hospital, and that they have agreed to meet with the hospital administration on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
The workers have indicated that they have been protesting from time to time since 2021, with the administration headed by Mr. Allen Zormonway appealing to them each time. However, they have resolved to not listen to anyone, including the Bishop of the United Methodist Church, Samuel J. Quire, Jr., until their demands are met.
Meanwhile, some of the in-patients at the facility are yet to receive treatment from nurses and doctors. Patients such as Chris Washington, a resident of Sanniquellie City, Richard Dokie, and Aletha Kayee expressed their surprise and frustration at not receiving any response when they visited the hospital for treatment.
In response to the situation, Mission Station Superintendent Rev. Priscilla Legay Gilayeah appealed to the aggrieved workers to abandon the go-slow, as the administration is expected to meet with them on Tuesday. She called on them to return to work until the outcome of the meeting.
Rev. Gilayeah also urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and Vice President Jeremiah Koung to intervene, as the hospital is in need of support for its upkeep. It has been reported that the Bishop of the United Methodist Church is expected to visit the hospital to hold a meeting with the aggrieved staff.
In conclusion, the go-slow at the Ganta United Methodist Hospital is a manifestation of the workers’ dissatisfaction with their working conditions and compensation. As negotiations and discussions continue between the workers and the hospital administration, the impact of the work stoppage on patients and the community underscores the urgency of reaching a resolution.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
