Takoradi, Feb 9, GNA - The hope of personnel working under the Healt= h Extension Module of the National Youth Employment programme to have a permanent job would soon be dashed as directive have been given to some hospitals authorities to sack such personnel.

The Ghana News Agency's investigation in three major hospitals: Effia-Nkwanta, Takoradi and Essikado Hospitals in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis revealed that some personnel had already been sacked, while so= me had voluntarily returned to work. An official of the Takoradi Hospital who spoke to the GNA on conditi= on of anonymity said the hospital was issued with the directive last week an= d already about 40 personnel had been sent home.

This official was however not happy with the initiative adding, "The=

disposal of these health extension workers will definitely create a gap i= n quality service delivery. We need them to work with".

The number of personnel sacked by the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital amounte= d to almost 100, a source told the GNA. The source said management would however hold an emergency meeting t= o find ways where such people could be internally assisted in order for the= m to stay at post.

At the Essikado Hospital, the situation was quiet different. It came= to light that, though the hospital had received the directive, it was yet to=

take action. When the GNA contacted the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Directorate= of the NYEP, it was told that the older staff had been laid off, while new officers had been sent to post.