Members of the Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anaesthetists (GACRA) have begun a partial strike in demand of a name change.

They want the government to acknowledge them as Certified Registered Anaesthetists.

They are currently known as Physician Assistant-Anaesthesia, which they say was “forced on them” by the Medical and Dental Council.

The association has threatened the total withdrawal of services from April 16 if their demands are not met.

They have currently withdrawn only anaesthesia services for elective surgeries.

But following the April 16 ultimatum, the association plans to withdraw services for emergency services in addition.

After earlier concerns, the association complained to Parliament after which the name was changed from the Physician Assistants-Anaesthesia to Certified Registered Anaesthetists via the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act 857.

They also claim the push for a name change is being resisted by Doctor Anaesthetists.

“After the passage of the act, all attempts have been made by the Doctor Anaesthetists through the MDC to have the name reversed.”

They further say they have sighted a copy of a draft amendment Bill “championed by the MDC on behalf of the Ministry of Health to changed the name from [Certified Registered Anesthetists] to [Physician Assistants-Anaesthesia].”

According to them, the development has “generated a state of unrest among the rank and file of our members in the country.”

The association also complained about the draft amendment’s lack of regard for their carrier progression and the lack of management opportunities for its members.

Anaesthetists are known as advanced practice nurses who administer anaesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures.

They work in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other professionals to ensure the safe administration of anaesthesia.

Anaesthesia is the administration of medication to allow medical procedures to be done without pain, and in some cases, without the patient being aware during the procedure.