The Minister of Health, Mr. Alban Bagbin, on Friday directed heads of public health facilities affected by industrial action by members of Government Hospitals Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) to ensure that a minimum level of essential services are maintained.

This is to prevent loss of life during the period, Mr. Bagbin said in a statement.

He said the withdrawal of essential services by striking members of GHOSPA is having dire consequences on patients who rely on a daily dose of various combinations of medicines including anti-retro-viral therapy in order to stay alive.

“Much as the Ministry respects the rights of all professional bodies to demand what they consider their due, we take exception to a blanket withdrawal of essential services which directly impacts the lives of fellow Ghanaians, such as those afflicted by HIV/AIDS,” Mr. Bagbin said.

The minister appealed to members of the Association to consider the interest of patients and return to work while lasting solution is found to the grievances of its members.

“In the light of ongoing positive discussions, the ministry is once again appealing to GHOSPA to consider the interest of the patients who queue up daily at their facilities for services and return to work,” Mr. Bagbin said.