Patients with health insurance cards are stranded at the Komfo Anokye Hospital (KATH) as striking government hospital pharmacists demand cash for prescribed drugs.

The Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association had announced a partial strike action over what they claim is the lack of equity in the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure.

Per the strike, night and weekend services as well as services on public holidays have been withdrawn. NHIS cardholders will also not be served.

The Pharmacists gave government an ultimatum to implement recommendations of a cabinet sub-committee report on salary and wage disparity with their colleagues elsewhere.

With the ultimatum date elapsing the angry Pharmacists have begun a partial strike that has seen NHIS card holders reeling in pain.

According to Luv FM's Ohemeng Tawiah, the NHIS card holders in Kumasi have been turned away at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

He reported the government Pharmacists as saying they would no longer be taken for a ride.

They demand total commitment from government in addressing their grievances.

Ohemeng Tawiah said the striking Pharmacists have scheduled a meeting later Friday and it is likely a full strike would be announced after the meeting.