Patients across the country were turned away, Monday, 18th May, 2009, for reporting after 17 hours GMT at the various public hospitals. This is because doctors have begun working like civil servants, beginning work at 8 hours GMT and closing at 17 hours GMT. They have vowed to stay away during the week-ends too. Joy FM’s regional correspondents in Kumasi, Takoradi, and Accra all confirmed on Monday, most doctors filed out of the various hospitals just on the 17 hour mark. A skeleton staff was however present to attend to patients who arrived before 17 hours. The situation is set to be precarious during the week-end, where due to the boycott by doctors, patients might be forced to stay at home till the beginning of following week or seek medical attention at private hospitals where the cost might be relatively high. The doctors’ action is in conformity to a directive issued by the Ghana Medical Association in protest over what they say is government’s insensitivity to their poor salaries and working conditions. The doctors are demanding a 50 per cent increase in salaries, but government says it cannot afford. Dr. Benjamin Kumbour, Deputy Health Minister said the demands was not sustainable, adding the national economy is not capable of handling a 50 per cent increase in wage bill for any group of professionals. He told Joy News it is regrettable the doctors have carried out their threat of boycott without exhausting the necessary negotiations. A meeting set for Monday between the Ministry and officials of the GMA has had to be rescheduled because the GMA, according to the Deputy Health minister, was unable to inform its leaders on time. Dr. Kumbuor pointed out government will not rest until an amicable solution is arrived at. Meanwhile, the Labour Commission has described as illegal the action taken by the GMA. A statement from the commission reminded them of the Legislative instrument which described their profession as an essential service and for which reason they must not resort to strike. The statement further appealed to the doctors return to full duties whilst negotiations for salary adjustments continue. Listen to the various reports and excerpts of the interview with Dr. Kumbour in the attached audio. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline