The Korle-Bu Chapter of the Federation of Allied Health Professionals has temporarily suspended its strike at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

The strike, initiated on Friday, 2 August 2024, involved the withdrawal of outpatient services due to the hospital’s refusal to appoint an independent body to oversee its operations.

The Federation, which includes 18 professional associations such as the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, the Ghana Physiotherapy Association, and the Ghana Society of Radiographers, argued that their affairs were inadequately managed under the hospital’s Medical Directorate.

They demanded the establishment of a dedicated directorate to oversee their operations.

The decision to suspend the strike follows ongoing engagement with the Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, and other relevant stakeholders.

In a statement dated Monday, 5 August 2024, the Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professions explained that the Minister of Health assured them of resolving the matter within seven days, prompting their decision to halt the strike.

“This decision has become necessary due to the following reasons: The Minister of Health has taken note of our concerns and has promised to resolve the matter within seven (7) days, hence the need for us to show good faith and allow the Hon. Minister to act,” the statement said.

The group also noted that the National Labour Commission (NLC) has invited them to a meeting on August 6, 2024, to find common ground to resolve the impasse.

“The National Labour Commission has intervened and prevailed on us to discontinue the action and invited us to a meeting on 6th August 2024 to find common grounds to resolve the impasse,” they indicated.

The professionals also acknowledged that the Board of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has responded to their demands.

“The Board of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has written to Leadership indicating that the Board has established the Directorate of Allied Health Professions at the KBTH.”

They urged their members to remain resolute in their demand for fair and equitable representation.

“We entreat all Allied Health Professionals to be resolute in our demand for fair and equitable representation in the Core Management of all implementing agencies including the Ghana Health Service and all Teaching Hospitals across the country,” the group added.