Agitated nurses at some public health facilities in Kumasi say they are prepared to escalate the industrial action if the government fails to heed to their concerns.

Leaders of the striking health workers say that members are “emotionally and financially sick”, hence the action to turn away patients to drum home their pressing needs.

At the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, local PRO of the Ghana Registered Nurses’ and Midwives' Association (GRNMA), Martha Yiadom, said the government’s delay in implementing the agreed conditions of service is distressing.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Ebenezer Acquah, says the stagnant service conditions are driving high attrition rates among nurses and healthcare practitioners.

He stated that the implementation of the agreed conditions of service is a test case of the government’s commitment to the welfare of health workers.