The Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association (GUNMA) has expressed frustration over the prolonged unemployment of its members, particularly the 2020 batch of graduate nurses and midwives, who are yet to be posted despite their qualifications and readiness to serve in the healthcare sector.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 15 October 2024, GUNMA expressed disappointment with the Ministry of Health for the lack of progress after the recruitment portal, which was open from Tuesday, 6 August 6 to Friday, 23 August 2024, closed with no updates or communication regarding the status of their applications.

The association noted that its leadership had made several follow-ups since the closing of the portal, yet "all promised timelines have passed without any results."

The statement continued: “The continued uncertainty about the status of our employment has led to increased anxiety and frustration among our members, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet.”

GUNMA therefore called on the Ministry of Health to take immediate action to “deploy” its members to healthcare facilities across the country.

The association also issued a warning that if its concerns remain unaddressed, members would stage a three-day “picketing” at the Ministry of Health from Wednesday, October 23 to Friday, October 25, 2024.

Adding their voice to the call, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, in a separate statement issued on Wednesday, 16 October 2024, echoed GUNMA’s frustrations.

The union endorsed GUNMA’s demand for prompt updates from the Ministry of Health and urged swift government intervention to prevent further frustration among "these young healthcare professionals" and to mitigate the risk of losing valuable talent.