Public health workers at the West Gonja District of the Northern Region have suspended their services since August 13, 2016.

The suspension is in solidarity with some two nurses of the Damango Hospital who were recently attacked by some residents.

According to one of the striking nurses, their members have been severally attacked by the residents in the past.

Explaining the recent incident, the nurse said a motorbike belonging to a male nurse at Damango Hospital was stolen.

“After we lodged a complaint at the police station, we saw a man riding the bike in the town. He was invited [to the station] where he confessed to stealing the bike. He was asked to return it to the nurse,” he indicated.

A section of the youth in the town threatened to deal with the nurse and “show us that they are the owners of this land,” the nurse said.

Days after this threat, the owner of the motorbike and one other were physically attacked by some youth of Damango, he indicated.

Nurses at other public health facilities and those at Damango Hospital laid down their tools in solidarity with the two who were assaulted.

Joy News’ Hashmin Mohammed reported that the situation has affected health care delivery at the health facilities in the district.

“Some of the patients I spoke to, told me they were turned away when they came in the morning,” he indicated.

Meanwhile the Northern Regional Health Director, Dr. Jacobs Mahama has declined comment on the issue.