The
worries of patients in government hospitals are far from over, as they go through
difficulty accessing drugs.
The
situation has been created by the continued strike by pharmacists, weeks after
doctors returned from a similar action.
Healthcare
seekers were denied total medical care when the two professional bodies laid
down their tools over single spine issues.
With
the return of the doctors the problem is only half solved because patients take
prescriptions and look for the drugs elsewhere.
The
Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) has been on strike for
several weeks demanding implementation of a ruling by the National Labour
Commission (NLC) on their conversion difference and grading structure.
A
visit to the Komfo Anokye Hospital in Kumasi reveals the pharmacies at both the
main section and the polyclinic remain closed to the public.
Though
many patients are registered for health insurance, they have had to buy at high
prices, and pay up-front from private pharmacies.
Some
patients who spoke to Luv News indicate besides the high prices, they have to
walk long distances from shop to shop to get drugs to buy.
They
are calling on government to resolve the impasse with the striking pharmacists
to enable return to work.
Meanwhile,
private pharmacists in the metropolis say they have recorded an increase in sales
in recent times as their colleagues in public facilities stay out of work.
Some
pharmacy shop owners explained patronage of their services has shot up as high
number of patients with prescriptions seek alternative source for medication.
The
private pharmacists have also joined in calls for speedy resolution of the
impasse in the interest of patients.
The
Fair Wages and Salaries Commission will be in court on Wednesday June 12, 2013 seeking
a stay of execution of the NLC ruling.
A
spokesperson for the GHOSPA, Courage Danku, told Luv News the Association is
also cooperating with a cabinet sub-committee looking into their grievances.
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