The leadership of the Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professions (GFAHP) says it has learnt with shock and disbelief the attempt by the management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to disturb the peace and tranquillity in the country by posting physicians to work in medical laboratories. 

According to the federation, the attempt to forcefully post uncertified professionals to various medical laboratories is illegal, unnecessary and uncalled for.

The federation, which has kicked against the confrontational stance of the Ghana Medical Association and the management of KATH, insists it is an attempt to repeat what happened at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital some years back, which resulted in a confrontation between the staff of Central Laboratory Services and some physicians posted to that unit.

The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists has, thus, thrown its weight behind the KATH lab professionals concerning their ongoing sit-down strike. 

A statement signed and issued on Thursday, 20 May 2021 by the federation said the "leadership of GFAHPs wishes to inform its members to hold themselves in readiness for the next line of action. We unconditionally and totally support GAMLS in their quest for fairness and justice in their line of practice. The truth stands".

Below is the full statement:

GHANA FEDERATION OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS (GFAHP)

PRESS RELEASE ON CONFRONTATIONAL STAND BY MANAGEMENT OF KOMFO ANOKYE TEACHING HOSPITAL AND GMA 

The leadership of Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professions (GFAHP) has learnt with shock and disbelief the attempt by management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to disturb the peace and tranquility in the country by posting physicians to work in medical laboratories. This attempt to forcefully post uncertified professional to various medical laboratories is illegal, unnecessary and uncalled for. This is an attempt to repeat what happened in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital years back, which resulted in confrontation between the staff of Central Laboratory Services and some physicians posted to the laboratory.

We equally read the disturbing development and unbelievable statement issued by GMA in support of this illegality.

The attempt to undermine the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies (HPRB) Act, 2013, Act 857 and Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC), will be resisted by all allied health professionals 

in this country. For the avoidance of doubt, according to both part one (AHPC) and part two (MDC) of Act 857, no health professional can practice in any medical laboratory in this country without certification by AHPC. The role and job description of physicians are clearly defined under part two, section 50 of Act 857.

Additionally, nowhere did the Act mention that Physicians or any other person can walk into any medical laboratory to practice. All professionals who intend to practice must apply to AHPC for certification.

We also want to remind GMA that, the days where they were seen as ‘headmasters’ of various sections of our health facilities are gone and they must come to terms with this reality and stop carrying themselves as such. Ghanaians should hold GMA responsible for any disturbances in the health sector. 

The management of KATH must be reminded that quality healthcare delivery is hinged on the critical core value of teamwork based on mutual respect and support for each other. We, therefore, demand that management of KATH should do everything possible to resolve this by respecting the uniqueness of all health professions in the hospital in order to stall an escalation of the current impasse.

We entreat Ministry of Health to intervene and remind the management of KATH to respect all health professions to ensure industrial harmony. The management of KATH need to ensure collective efforts and respect for all professionals in the health sector.

The leadership of GFAHPs wishes to inform its members to hold themselves in readiness for the next line of action. We unconditionally and totally support GAMLS in their quest for fairness and justice in their line of practice.

The truth stands. Long live GFAHP, Long live Ghana 

Thank you. 

Signed

Dr Shiraz Issahaku

For Chairman – GFAHP

Alberta Rockson

General Secretary – GFAHP 

Dr Paul Amankonah

GPA-President

Prince Rockson

GSR-President

Dr Kingsley K A Pereko

GAND-President

Atuahene Agyeman Eric

HEPAG-President

Kwame Arhin Jnr

GHIMA-President

Asenso Prince Antwi

OAG-President

Ann Sena Fordie

OTAG-President

Asare Mark Listowel

GHAPO-President

Douglas Avoka

OHPAG-President