The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of Ghana has announced that it has halted the implementation of the newly approved fees and changes pending review.

About a month ago, the government announced a significant increase in the fees for foreign verification fees for nurses and midwives.

The new cost of GH₵3,000 represents a 445.5% increment in the license verification fee imposed on nurses and midwives compared to the previous fee of GH₵550.

Calls for the Health Ministry and the Nurses and Midwives Council to review the cost have been futile.

Subsequently, on March 22, the National Council of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) served its members with notice of impending industrial strike action.

The Council explained that the strike action is part of a series of activities aimed at drumming home the demand for a review of the 445.5% increment in the license verification fee imposed on nurses and midwives.

• Read also: Meeting on nurses, midwives’ 445.5% verification fees hike underway

However, in a press release on March 26, the 15th Governing Board of the Council said it had halted these fees and would revert to the old system.

“At its meeting held on March 26, 2024, the 15th Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council took the decision to halt the implementation of the newly approved fees and charges pending its review. This decision follows discussions with relevant stakeholders, regarding their concerns. In the meantime, the Council will revert to the previous fee structure," the statement read.

The statement assured nurses that the Council remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of training and practice.

“The Nursing and Midwifery Council remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of training and practice of Nursing and Midwifery for the benefit of the public,” it added.