The Nursing and Midwifery Council has suspended the newly approved foreign verification fee and other charges which amounted to ¢3000.
In a press statement, the council made it clear that the new verification fee has been suspended. The old verification fee of ¢550 will be the amount to be charged.
The comes after the The Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana raised significant concerns regarding recent fee hikes implemented by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (N&MC). Of particular concern is the substantial rise in the foreign verification fee, which has skyrocketed from Ghc550 to Ghc3000, representing a staggering 445.45% increase.
Nurses and Midwifery union condemns this move by the N&MC, asserting that it places undue financial strain on Nurses and Midwives seeking opportunities abroad. The union questions the rationale behind such exorbitant fees, especially considering the already challenging working conditions faced by healthcare professionals in Ghana.
Migration is regarded by UPNMG as a fundamental right and should not be hindered by unreasonable financial barriers. John Agbenyeavu, the National PRO for the Union, emphasizes the importance of empowering and supporting young Nurses and Midwives rather than imposing obstacles that hinder their career advancement.
In response to these concerns, UPNMG urgently calls upon the Parliament of Ghana to intervene and address this issue to safeguard the quality of healthcare services in the country. Additionally, the union demands that the N&MC immediately halt the implementation of the new levy and engage in meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Despite efforts by the Ghana Health Service to mitigate the effects of brain drain, the country continues to face challenges as a significant number of healthcare workers, including Nurses and Midwives, migrate to countries abroad in search of better opportunities. Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, Director General of Ghana Health Service, acknowledges the gravity of the situation and highlights ongoing efforts to encourage retention and training of healthcare professionals.
The Union urged Nurses and Midwives to remain steadfast as the union works towards addressing this critical issue. The union emphasizes the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the welfare and retention of healthcare professionals in Ghana.